What's It Really Like to Hunt?
by Chrysann Collatos
Huntsman and hounds move off, with the field of
riders following quietly. Listening carefully to the huntsman’s voice and horn, the
hounds spread out in search of game. Suddenly, one hound cries out. The remaining hounds
"honor", approaching to help find the line of scent. Everyone looks for the
coyote: he may be in plain view, or it may be a day for hounds to cannily unravel his
invisible trail. Once the hounds are "on", the chase begins in earnest. The
bolder riders stay with the huntsman while those less experienced follow at a calm pace;
our open country ensures everyone a good view.
For those on the huntsman’s heels, the feeling
is euphoric. Thundering along with intoxicating abandon, the hounds appear to fly across
the ground, screaming in ecstasy. The line may last 100 yards, or it may continue for
miles. Almost inevitably, the coyote’s speed and cleverness combine with the dry
scenting conditions to thwart our determined hounds, and the scent is lost. The huntsman
gathers the hounds and praises them exuberantly as we all ride home satisfied, tired, and
eager for lunch!
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For members of the Red Rock Hounds, following coyotes with hounds
does not involve killing; it involves immersing ourselves in natural beauty while we
experience an enthralling relationship with animals. |
