Why are we still going?
Whilst the Hunting Act 2004, which we consider to be an ill thought-out piece of legislation that is harmful both to the hunted species, the environments in which they live and the rural economies that surround them, remains in force, the Fitzwilliam, like most other hunts, will continue to "Hunt within the Law" to provide activities for our Hunt Followers, in order that their interest and support will be maintained.
It is necessary to maintain our support base because the infra-structure of the Hunt requires a significant income each year to maintain it. The hounds and the horses all require feed and veterinary and medical expenses and equipment to be purchased. They also require housing, which must be maintained, and staff to look after them, who also have to be paid and housed.
These bills are paid for by the followers and supporters, both in the form of subscriptions to the Hunt and by supporting fund-raising events run by the Hunt Supporters' Club. In order for these supporters to keep paying to maintain the Hunt, we have to ensure that we offer them something to support.
In addition, there are also a significant number of local trades-people who rely upon the Hunt and its followers for some or all of their winter income. By maintaining our activities, we ensure that these trades-people can maintain their incomes.
However, it is important to note that this is not, and can not be, an everlasting solution. The resolve of hunting people to fight this legislation is strong and will last for some considerable time, but there will be a gradual shrinking of the support base as followers decide to devote their time and money to other activities. The Hunt will carry on for as long as it can, but it cannot survive for ever - and probably only for a matter of a few years. For a more detailed analysis of why this is, please see the page on Drag Hunting in the FAQ Section.
What will we do?
There are many activities that can be carried out legally by hunts, some of which because they are entirely outwith the scope of the Law, and some because they are specifically allowed by exemptions contained within the Law.
The Fitzwilliam Hunt will on each activity day be using a combination of several of these activities to provide an interesting and varied day's activities for the hunt followers. One of the main appeals of traditional fox hunting was the unpredictability that it presented to the followers. At the start of the day, they did not know where they would be going or how they would get there. By mixing a combination of the various possible activities to suit the different locations in which we will be operating, the Masters will attempt to create a day of activities that recreates that "unpredictability".
Below is a sample of some of the sorts of activities that we can carry out within the Law.
Trail hunting
Trail hunting is the hunting of an artificial scent. There is no reason why
huntsman or followers should know in advance the route hounds will take when
following a trail, thus closely matching hunting in it’s current form.
Flushing
Two hounds can be used to flush quarry from covert (which could be
undergrowth or woodland). The quarry must then be shot dead as soon as possible
by a “competent person”.
Hound Exercising
Any number of hounds can be exercised at the same time.
Flushing to a bird of prey
Under the Hunting Act it is legal to use any number of dogs to flush any wild
mammal from cover so that a bird of prey can hunt it.
Hunting Rats and Rabbits
Any number of dogs can be used to hunt rats and rabbits, which are specifically
exempted from the terms of the Act.
Hunting of wounded Hares
Any number of dogs can be used to hunt and dispatch hares that have been shot
and wounded.
Terrier Work
One dog at a time can be used to flush foxes from below the ground on the
condition that it “is undertaken for the purpose of preventing or reducing
serious damage to game or wild birds...which a person is keeping or preserving
for the purpose of their being shot”.
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