Back in the day, fox hunting used to be a form of pest control to prevent prowling foxes from stealing chickens, lambs, and other small livestock. Nowadays, fox hunting has become more of a fun activity for groups of neighbors and friends, with more of an emphasis on the thrill of the chase rather than the kill.

During a recent episode of the National Land Podcast, VA Land Professional Miley Holtzman shared her experiences fox hunting and explained the ins and outs of this time-honored tradition.

Here are a few things to know about fox hunting in 2024!

General Process of a Fox Hunt

A fox hunt begins with a huntsman, who serves as the ringleader of the hunt. He directs the hounds where he wants them to go. It’s the huntsman’s job to flush out the fox. Everyone else rides behind the huntsman, watching and waiting.

Once the hounds pick up on the fox’s scent, they and the rest of the party will give chase, trying to corner and trap the fox. Oftentimes the hounds will chase the fox down into a hole, indicating its hiding spot to the huntsman who then digs the fox out with a shovel. In traditional fox hunting, a terrier would be used to dig the fox out of its hole, but the sport has changed quite a bit in the modern day.

A hunt typically lasts around 3 hours, but much of the time is spent trotting behind the huntsman watching the hounds work, and enjoying good company and beautiful weather.

What Do You Need For a Fox Hunt?

Lots of Land

Oftentimes the amount of land required for a foxhunt surpasses what a singular landowner will own. This is why fox hunting is often a group activity, with neighbors joining to use all of their land together for a hunt.

There are also fox hunting groups and clubs that create more opportunities to participate in a fox hunt. Some hunting clubs require land ownership to join, some will let you pay to join for a day if you’re invited. These clubs are typically pretty tight-knit, so it may be difficult to find acceptance if you aren’t personally invited or contributing land for the hunt.

Foxhounds

A pack of foxhounds is essential for a successful hunt since they’re the ones doing much of the tracking and chasing.

Their sense of smell is excellent and allows them to effectively track a fox throughout a forest during the hunt. Obedience training is highly recommended for young dogs in general, but especially for foxhounds since their ability to understand and respond to commands is crucial for a successful hunt.

These animals are exceptionally well-trained and require lots of exercise and management to ensure they stay in top condition.

Horses

Fox hunting traditionally takes place on horseback, so horses or access to horses are required for any would-be fox hunter.

It’s no secret that horses require a decent amount of space to roam and live, but they also require facilities like barns/stalls and riding arenas, not to mention storage space for feed, saddles, tack, and more.

If space is a limiting factor, don’t worry! Some equestrian ranches allow you to lease out a horse to fox hunt on if you don’t have your own. 

Despite the ways it has changed, fox hunting remains a cherished tradition in 2024. Whether you’re looking forward to the thrill of the chase or simply want to spend a day out in the sun with your friends and family, fox hunting can be an extremely rewarding experience.

If you’ve got questions about fox hunting or want to find the perfect piece of hunting land for sale near you, contact your local Land Professional today!