Fox hunting in Virginia has a long history and is considered a traditional sport. Fox hunting typically involves a group of riders on horseback, along with a pack of hounds, pursuing a fox. The sport has deep cultural roots in Virginia, and there are several fox-hunting clubs and organizations in the state.
Fox hunting in Virginia is often associated with social events and gatherings. Participants wear traditional hunting attire, and the sport is regulated by various clubs and associations to ensure ethical and responsible practices. The fox hunting season in Virginia typically runs from fall to early spring.
It’s important to note that fox hunting in Virginia is not about killing the fox but rather following the hounds and enjoying the outdoor experience. The practice involves a set of rules and traditions that emphasize the well-being of the fox and the conservation of the environment.
Top Fox Hunting Spots in Virginia
- Middleburg: Often referred to as the “Nation’s Horse and Hunt Capital,” Middleburg in Loudoun County is a renowned destination for fox hunting. The town has a long equestrian history and is surrounded by beautiful countryside ideal for hunting.
- Charles City County: the hunt territory extends from Richmond to Williamsburg and from King William County to Suffolk, accessing farmlands and historic plantations along the James River.
- Orange County: Located in central Virginia, Orange County is known for its fox hunting traditions. The open fields and rolling landscapes provide an excellent setting for fox hunts.
- The Plains: Another destination in Fauquier County, The Plains is a picturesque location with a strong equestrian community. It offers ample opportunities for fox hunting in a charming rural setting.
- Warrenton: Situated in Fauquier County, Warrenton is home to various fox hunting clubs and attracts enthusiasts from across the region. The town and its surroundings offer a classic Virginia fox hunting experience.
- Culpeper: Culpeper County has a rich equestrian culture, and fox hunting is a popular activity in this area. The county’s diverse landscapes provide different terrains for hunting.
- Rappahannock County: Known for its scenic beauty, Rappahannock County is a favorite among fox hunters. The rolling hills and countryside create an idyllic backdrop for this traditional pursuit.
The organization of a fox hunt involves a dedicated team of staff and officials responsible for ensuring the smooth and ethical conduct of the sport. The key roles and individuals typically involved in a fox hunt include:
- Master of Foxhounds (MFH): The Master of Foxhounds is a central figure in the hunt, responsible for managing the overall operations. They play a crucial role in maintaining traditions, organizing events, and overseeing the hounds.
- Huntsman: The huntsman is a skilled individual responsible for handling and directing the hounds during the hunt. They are often highly trained and work closely with the Master of Foxhounds to ensure a successful and safe hunt.
- Whippers-In: Whippers-in assist the huntsman in managing the hounds and maintaining control during the hunt. They help prevent hounds from straying too far or going in the wrong direction.
- Field Master: The Field Master leads the group of riders during the hunt. They are responsible for keeping the riders organized, maintaining a safe distance from the hounds, and ensuring that the hunt proceeds smoothly.
- Stewards: Stewards play a role in organizing and managing the logistics of the hunt. They may be responsible for coordinating events, ensuring participants follow proper procedures, and addressing any issues that may arise.
- Kennel Staff: The kennel staff takes care of the hounds when they are not actively involved in a hunt. This includes feeding, grooming, and overall care of the hounds.
- Landowners and Farmers: Obtaining permission to hunt on private land is crucial, and landowners or farmers may be involved in the process. Hunt clubs often maintain positive relationships with landowners to ensure access to suitable hunting grounds.
- Support Staff: Depending on the size and organization of the hunt, there may be additional support staff involved in various roles, such as event coordination, administration, and outreach.
Very beautifully written and well -said, Wayne! Thank you for taking the time and having the journalistic integrity to present this educational piece!
But what happens when the 30+ hounds run down and catch the fox or someone’s pet. My guess is they would die a horrible death by being torn and ripped apart. I can’t help but think that this sport would require some very large, uninhabited land areas.
Good questions. Registered fox hunts in the US are highly professionalized and typically have staff who live on site with the hounds, so hounds are routinely exposed to regular family life (family pets, children, etc.), and to livestock from the surrounding areas.
It is unusual to catch foxes in US hunts, and the few foxes killed are usually unhealthy due to old age, injury, or illness. Foxes have no natural predators on the East Coast, so this serves a similar purpose to DWR wildlife management on a much smaller scale. While many people not familiar with fox hunting are concerned about foxes being torn apart and suffering, this is not how foxhound catch a fox. If hounds do catch a fox, the first hound to reach the fox breaks the fox’s neck on impact, which results in instant death. Unlike, for example, a deer poorly shot with a bow or rifle, there is no chance that a fox caught by hounds will escape seriously wounded and undergo prolonged suffer.
Large amounts of land are required for hunting. Across the US and world, hunting is almost exclusively done on rural or semi-rural agricultural land, all of which is inhabited.
Thank you so much, MS! Everything you say is correct. Fox Hounds are highly trained to specifically follow only the scent of foxes and/or coyote. All other quarry is ignored. They are kept on task by the Huntsman and several other riders ( whippers in) who keep the hounds together and on task. (Unlike deer hounds, who are released and left to rampage at will.) House pets face more threat from coyotes or hawks than they ever would from fox hounds. And yes, fox hunting does require large areas of land, which is why every recognized Hunt’s priority is maintaining good landowner relations, respect of crops and property, and being good stewards of the territory.
Thank you Wayne for your informative piece. Having hunted astride for many years with many of the Hunts you mentioned, I can attest that the stewardship of the land, the health of the foxes, the respect for the territory, the selective breeding of the hounds and the training and care of the horses are all of utmost importance to those who engage in this traditional sport.
This is not a “blood sport”. In accordance with the rules of the Masters of Foxhound Association, foxes in the US are chased to ground. They are not dug out or killed as happens in Great Britain. One of the main duties of the ” Whips” is to turn the hunted fox AWAY from highways and roads so that neither the fox nor the hounds are injured. In most territories foxes are routinely fed raw chicken injected with ivermectin in an effort to keep them healthy and free from mange, mites and other diseases. Contrary to what has previously been stated, riders do not run across planted fields but rather proceed around edges or through established paths in the woods. Hounds are restricted by the Whips from chasing deer, domestic animals or any game.
other than the fox.
For anyone who desires to learn the truth about fox hunting in the eastern US, I strongly recommend that you contact ANY of the registered Hunts listed by Mr. Creed.