An upcoming event aims to introduce new faces to the hunting field and to encourage people to give it a try.
The annual Hunting Newcomers’ Week is an event run by the Countryside Alliance and will take place from October 15-21.
The alliance has said that hunts generally welcome newcomers throughout the year but acknowledged that it can be a daunting prospect, particularly if you haven’t been out before or have moved areas and have not been hunting in a while.
It believes that joining forces with other like-minded people on a designated day can make it easier for those wanting to overcome any reservations they may have.
Registered packs including: Foxhound; beagle; harrier; basset; draghound; and bloodhound packs are invited to organise a specific meet, or to plan 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.
Countryside Alliance’s Polly Portwin explained: “Every year we have more and more people using this week as the perfect opportunity to try hunting for the first time.
“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.”
Hunts are invited to send details of any newcomers’ meets or events being planned so they can be advertised in the Newcomers’ Events Listing on the Countryside Alliance website.
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 to download here.
