Hunting Newcomers' Week dates revealed

The Countryside Alliance's annual Hunting Newcomers' Week will this year take place from 15^th – 21^st October. The aim of this week is to introduce as many new faces to the hunting field as possible and to encourage those that have never been hunting before to give it a try.

Hunts generally welcome newcomers throughout the year anyway, however it can be a daunting prospect, particularly if you haven't been out before or have perhaps moved areas and had a break since you last went out. Joining forces with other like-minded people on a specific day can make it easier for those wanting to overcome any reservations they may have.

As always we are inviting any registered packs - including foxhound, beagle, harrier, basset, draghound and bloodhound packs - to organise a specific meet, or to organise an activity such as a tour of the kennels during this designated week to give everybody an opportunity to get involved with their local pack.

"Every year we have more and more people using this week as the perfect opportunity to try hunting for the first time," explained the CA's Polly Portwin. "We have received many heart-warming reports from those who have taken part, ranging from those who have simply wanted to tick it off their bucket list to those who have never been brave enough previously but have experienced hound exercise and then become hooked and gone on to become regular subscribers."

No special clothes or kit are required to be able to take part, however those thinking of trying hunting for the first time are encouraged to read the Countryside Alliance's Newcomers' Guide To Hunting which is available on PDF to download.

Hunts are invited to send us details of any newcomers' meets or events being planned so we can advertise them in our Newcomers' Events Listing on our website. Please contact Henrietta Rutgers at [email protected] for any supporting literature or for further information about your local pack.