Just as you are all winding up for the season, we’re getting started. Hunted in about 26 degrees (celsius), only had about 90 riders out as many of them are down at Horse of the Year show, but that’s their loss, not ours 
Accounted for the first hare about 35 minutes into the hunt, then a 2nd just over an hour later. Great start to the season (although hounds have already seen to 27 hares pre-season hunting!).
That’s great! What’s the name of your hunt? Ninety riders is a lot!
We’re Northland Hunt - the northern-most hunt in New Zealand. 90 riders is common on a weekend hunt, but only about 20 - 30 midweek.
Is it just hares you hunt or do you have foxes, too?
Just hares - there are no foxes in New Zealand! Way back in the early 1900’s someone tried to get a dog and vixen into the country but they were found on the boat in Littleton Harbour, and drowned. I think some of our zoos may have foxes, but could be wrong. Like snakes, the powers that be are fanatical about keeping them out of our country. There is not a single snake in NZ - zoos are not even allowed them in case escaped and bred.
Second hunt for the season yesterday - 21 riders out. Another really good day for hounds with another 2 hares accounted for. At one stage there were 7 hares in sight! Hounds stuck to the hunted hare though and their diligence paid off.
Otterhound63- How long do you typically stay out and hunt?
Do hares run straight away or do they run a circle?
How many hounds do you take out each time?
We usually hunt between 3 and 4 hours. Hares tend to run huge circles. We take out, on average, 15 couple. =)
