Your guide to National Trail Hunting Day

When is the National Trail Hunting Day?

Saturday 14th September 2024.

Where is it taking place?

Trail hunting meets are being hosted at around 30 different venues across England and Wales as part of the inaugural National Trail Hunting Day. Details about each of the locations can be found here.

What time should I arrive?

Hounds will meet at 11am at each of the venues. It is recommended that those attending arrive in plenty of time ahead of the meet to allow for parking etc. Hounds will move off at around 11.30am to commence their trail hunting activities.

Who are the organisers?

The National Trail Hunting Day has been coordinated by the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA), working alongside the various registered packs of hounds that are hosting each of the meets.

What is the purpose of the National Trail Hunting Day?

It is effectively an open day to showcase trail hunting to the public, police, politicians, media and other interested parties. It is anticipated that the day will provide an opportunity to answer questions anybody may have about how trail hunting is conducted and why it replicates traditional quarry hunting, while demonstrating that it is a well-regulated, properly managed and lawful activity.

Will the format of the day replicate a normal trail hunting day?

This will be a regular days’ trail hunting, with trails being laid for the hounds to follow just like the other thousands of days which take place across the country each season. There will be a field master to ensure the mounted field keep in touch with hounds and the venues have been specifically chosen to enable good vantage points for spectators as well as participants. There will be the customary hospitality at each meet and before hounds leave the meet there will be a welcoming speech from a local representative

Why is the National Trail Hunting Day necessary?

The Labour government has stated in its manifesto that it intends to “ban trail hunting” so the hunting community is sending a strong message to parliament, to newly-elected MPs and to the government that trail hunting is a legal and legitimate activity and that any new legislation would be unnecessary and unjustified.

Can anybody attend the National Trail Hunting Day?

Everybody is welcome to attend, with hunt supporters strongly encouraged by the BHSA to support their local meet whether mounted or on foot. Meet details are being shared by individual hunts to their supporters through their usual communication networks and social media.

How much does the day cost?

It is free to attend, whether following on foot or mounted on a horse.

Can anybody follow hounds on their horse?

There will be a mounted field at each of the venues but numbers may be limited at some locations, depending on a variety of factors such as the availability of parking or the local farming situation. Please contact the host hunt regarding the arrangements for their meet to register your interest and confirm availability. This will also ensure you receive any specific parking or other instructions ahead of the meet.

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

If you are following hounds on your horse, the traditional dress code for autumn trail hunting is “ratcatcher” i.e. tweed hacking jacket, shirt and tie (or hunting tie), however, if you don’t have this attire, don’t let that put you off. All those attending are simply encouraged to be well-turned out as a mark of respect to the landowners welcoming the hounds on this special day.

At what other events will I be able to show my support for trail hunting?

There will be many other opportunities over the forthcoming weeks, such as meets hosted during the Countryside Alliance’s Newcomers Week (19-26 October) and Boxing Day meets held at hundreds of different venues across the country.

What is trail hunting?

Trail-hunting involves the laying of a scent across the countryside which a pack of hounds then searches for and follows using their noses. The trail can be laid by somebody on their feet, riding a horse, on a bike or a combination of any of those methods. Trail hunting simulates traditional quarry hunting and has successfully ensured that hunts can maintain support to retain their infrastructure.

More than 12,000 days of trail hunting activities take place each year yet there are still misconceptions about this lawful recreational activity which has many socio-economic benefits as well as having a positive impact on participants’ physical and mental wellbeing.

If you are new to trail hunting or want to know more about preparing for a meet – whether following on foot or on a horse - read our newcomers’ guide here.

Image: Sarah Farnsworth Photography