When is National Trail Hunting Day?

National Trail Hunting Day takes place on Saturday 17 October 2026, marking the start of Newcomers to Trail Hunting Week, which runs until Saturday 24 October.

Where is it taking place?

Four flagship trail hunting meets are being hosted as part of National Trail Hunting Day:

• Percy Hunt - South Charlton Farm, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 2LY
• Suffolk Hunt - Suffolk Heath House,Herringswell, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6SS
• Worcestershire Hunt - Bow Wood, Upton, Snodsbury, WR7 4AJ
• East Devon Hunt - Honiton showground

The events will provide an opportunity for the public, supporters and those who have never experienced trail hunting to see hounds working, meet those involved and learn more about this lawful activity.

What time should I arrive?

• From 10am: Visitors are encouraged to arrive in plenty of time for parking, meet hospitality and a short welcoming speech.
• 11am: Hounds will meet, with mounted followers expected to be ready to commence trail hunting from this time.
• Before travelling: Check the specific arrangements published by the host hunt and ensure you have booked in if you are planning to attend, by visiting National Trail Hunting Day — Future For Hunting.

Who are the organisers?

National Trail Hunting Day has been coordinated by the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA), working alongside the registered packs of hounds hosting the four flagship events, with support from the Countryside Alliance. There are other dedicated events taking place nationwide throughout the week too.

What is the purpose of National Trail Hunting Day?

National Trail Hunting Day provides an opportunity to showcase lawful trail hunting and demonstrate how hunts operate in practice.

The events aim to:

• Welcome members of the public, politicians, police, media and anybody interested in finding out more about trail hunting. Invitations have also been sent to MPs and rural crime officers.
• Give visitors the opportunity to meet hunt staff, supporters and volunteers and ask questions about how trails are laid and followed.
• Demonstrate the dedication and care involved in managing a pack of hounds.
• Welcome newcomers, challenge misconceptions and highlight the important role that trail hunting plays within rural communities.

Will the format replicate a normal day's trail hunting?

Yes. The events are intended to reflect a normal day's trail hunting, including:

• Hounds following trails: Trails will be laid across the countryside for hounds to search for and follow.
• A mounted field: A field master will be responsible for guiding mounted followers.
• Opportunities for spectators: Venues have been selected to provide opportunities for those following on foot to see hounds working.
• Traditional meet hospitality: Newcomers and regular supporters will have the opportunity to meet and socialise before hounds move off.

Why is National Trail Hunting Day particularly important this year?

National Trail Hunting Day comes at a particularly important time for the hunting community.

• Government proposals: The Labour government remains committed to its manifesto pledge to ban trail hunting, and its consultation on proposals to prohibit the activity in England and Wales closed in June 2026.
• Response to the consultation: The Future for Hunting campaign, a joint initiative between the Countryside Alliance and the BHSA, generated more than 91,000 responses through its campaigning platform, demonstrating the strength of feeling among supporters of lawful trail hunting.
• Demonstrating trail hunting in practice: With the government considering the consultation responses, the day provides an opportunity to demonstrate how trail hunting operates as a lawful, organised and regulated activity.
• Highlighting wider benefits: The events will also showcase the contribution hunts make to the rural economy, their connections with farmers, landowners and local businesses, and the physical and mental wellbeing benefits associated with participation .

Can anybody attend National Trail Hunting Day?

Absolutely. Everybody is welcome, whether they are regular hunt supporters, have never been hunting before or are simply curious to find out more.

• The BHSA is encouraging supporters to attend their local flagship event, whether mounted or on foot.
• Supporters are also encouraged to invite friends, family and anybody interested in experiencing trail hunting for the first time.
• Individual meet details will be shared by the host hunts through their usual communication channels and social media.

How much does the day cost?

• Spectators and foot followers: Free to attend.
• Mounted participants: Contact the relevant host hunt in advance to confirm availability, booking arrangements and whether any charges apply.

Can anybody follow hounds on horseback?

There will be a mounted field at each of the four flagship events, although numbers may be limited depending on local circumstances.

Anybody wishing to participate on horseback should:

• Contact the host hunt in advance to register their interest.
• Confirm availability and any booking requirements.
• Check arrangements for parking, access and any specific instructions for the day.

What should I wear if I am planning to take my horse?

• Traditional attire: The autumn trail hunting dress code is known as 'ratcatcher', generally consisting of a tweed hacking jacket, shirt and tie or hunting tie.
• Newcomers: Those without traditional hunting attire should not be discouraged. Smart, practical riding clothes and appropriate safety equipment are perfectly suitable.

Everybody attending is encouraged to dress appropriately as a mark of respect to the farmers and landowners who generously allow access to their land.

What if I cannot attend one of the four flagship events?

There are plenty of other opportunities to experience trail hunting and show your support throughout the season.

• Newcomers to Trail Hunting Week (17–24 October): Hunts across the country are being encouraged to organise special meets, open days and other activities to welcome newcomers.
• Kennel visits and other activities: Opportunities may include meeting hunt staff and hounds, visiting kennels, attending a trail hunting meet or simply learning more about the activity.
• For those who have enjoyed hunt rides: Newcomers Week offers an opportunity to take the next step and experience a day's trail hunting.
• Opening meets and Boxing Day: Further opportunities to attend will take place throughout the autumn and at traditional Boxing Day meets across the country.

Anybody interested in attending should contact their local hunt to find out what events are being organised.

What is trail hunting?

Trail hunting involves laying a scent across the countryside for a pack of hounds to search for and follow using their highly developed sense of smell.

• Laying the trail: The scent may be laid by somebody on foot, on horseback, on a quad or bicycle, or using a combination of methods.
• How it works: The activity is designed to simulate aspects of traditional quarry hunting, allowing hounds to continue working as a pack while mounted and foot followers enjoy watching them work.
• Maintaining hunt infrastructure: Trail hunting enables hunts to retain their kennels, hounds, staff and associated infrastructure.
• Supporting rural communities: Hunts continue to contribute to rural communities and local economies through their activities.

Thousands of days of trail hunting take place across the country each season, yet misconceptions about the activity remain.

Find out more

National Trail Hunting Day and Newcomers to Trail Hunting Week provide valuable opportunities to address those misconceptions, demonstrate how trail hunting operates and introduce more people to the activity.

For those interested in finding out more, our guide How to prepare for a newcomers’ meet provides practical advice on preparing for a meet, whether following on foot or on horseback.