How Fox Hunting Saves the Land We Love Learn how conservation groups, landowners, and fox hunts work together in Northern Virginia
Written by Heidi Baumstark Photos by Joanne Maisano
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ox hunting isn’t just for hunters and hounds. Anyone who relishes the Virginia countryside for all its rugged beauty can give thanks for the local fox hunter and landowners. Sure, those who enjoy the thrill of the hunt will experience the land up-close and personal through this time-honored tradition of hounds and horses chasing a fox. But, there are plenty of others who are not part of the equestrian community who revel in the glorious sights when traversing the countryside, stumbling upon historic houses, barns, ancient stone walls, and other bits of beauty along the way. It’s through a vibrant fox hunting community that land has a better chance of remaining preserved, because tens of thousands of acres in the Virginia countryside would be lost if it wasn’t for this special equestrian community. So, what exactly is fox hunting? It’s where the horse, rider, and hound track a scent through varied terrain and wilderness. Centuries ago in England, foxes were considered nuisances because they killed small livestock and chickens, so farmers would hunt them down with hounds. What started as a necessity quickly became a sport by the rich and noble. These English noblemen added rules, regulations, and proper attire, established their own terminology, and created the hunt known
today. With riders dressed in their “pinques” (or “pinks,” referring to scarlet woolen jackets to minimize blood stains), it was a sport that didn’t end well for a fox cornered by hounds. And our nation’s founder, George Washington, was a fan of the sport, keeping his pack of hounds at his Mount Vernon kennels. But now, it’s all about the chase. Before harm is done to the fox, hounds are called off, and the fox goes underground, which usually ends the hunt. After all, the objective isn’t to kill — it’s to chase for another day, so the sport can continue. “We’re not interested in having fewer foxes,” added Tad Zimmerman, joint master of fox hounds (Jt-MFH) at Piedmont Fox Hounds in Upperville, which was formed in 1840 and is known as the oldest fox hunt in the nation. Today, official colors and attire are still worn to maintain order in the field, and out of respect for upholding the beautiful imagery seen on the hunt field. Fox hunting season runs from November through March for the formal season, but “cubbing” (hunting fox cubs and training young hounds to hunt) starts in October, when riders are dressed in “ratcatchers” informal wear. Regular hunts can last from one to several hours and can consist of between 20 and 30 couples (40-60 hounds), which are specifically bred for hunting. Regarding the number of hunters, some hunts have 15-25 galLand | Page 11
Top: Tad Zimmerman, Jt-MFH of Piedmont Fox Hounds, with huntsman Jordan Hicks. Bottom: Open land that should be preserved.
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SEPTEMBER 2020