Traditional fox hunting is more about the chase than the catch.
The fox is a "varmint" to some people in Texas, and is hunted in the usual way, with guns and the hunter hiding in a blind of some kind. The older---and more British---form of fox hunting, with people riding horses while dogs pursue the fox, are also conducted at five Texas clubs that are sanctioned by the Masters of Foxhounds Association.
History
The British began fox hunting in the 1800s and brought their sport to the U.S. With the wide open spaces that were in Texas, the state was a natural place for the sport. As the sport developed in Texas, it changed focus. In England the hunt is about catching the fox. In Texas, the event is about the chase, and once hunters corner the fox or it escapes, the hunt is over.
Types
Fox hunting groups sometimes hunt coyotes with a pack of dogs. The animals are similar, so when hunters spot a coyote, they may begin the chase just as they would with a fox. Coyotes are faster and tend to run in a straight line a long distance. Foxes are more likely to stay near their home and run in circles or other patterns.
Varmint Hunting
Several hunting camps and hunting guides in Texas lead varmint hunting, and the fox is often considered a varmint. For grey foxes, hunters use a calling device to call the animal while the hunter hides in a blind. The call attracts the fox close enough to where the hunter is hiding for him to shoot.
Features
Club members on fox hunts must follow a set of protocols. People are assigned to take care of the dogs and scout for foxes, while others focused on the chase itself and ride horses. Club members who are not actively engaged in the hunt may ride along behind the first group as observers.
Identification
Kenada Foxhouds is a hunting club on the Post Oak Creek Ranch near Austin, Texas. The hunts here are traditional, with hunters wearing red jackets as they ride behind the hounds. Horsemanship is a big part of this hunt, with several jumps along the hunt. The ranch is 17,000 acres. Club members are the only ones who can hunt, but visitors are welcome, and club membership is available. You must have your own horse.
Post Oak Creek Ranch
Meadow Creek Trail
Fair Oaks Ranch, TX 78015
210-827-4575
postoakcreekranch.com
The Hickory Creek Hunt is a nonprofit group recognized by the National Association of Foxhounds. This group near Fort Worth operate kennels and raise hounds for hunts. This group uses private lands in their area by permission of local land owners. Membership requires an application, and only members may ride in the hunts. The public is invited to weekly summer outings with the dogs, which are exercise runs and not hunts. For more on this group, visit hickorycreekhunt.com.
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