What is the New Forest Hounds (NFH) pack?

The NFH is one of 22 clean-boot hunts that have emerged across the UK in response to the government's plans to tighten the foxhunting ban. The pack uses bloodhounds to chase human volunteers across the countryside, rather than pursuing animals or their scents.

How does the reporter feel about being chased by the NFH hounds?

Initially, the reporter feels nervous about being chased by the pack of hounds. However, the reporter finds the experience surprisingly exhilarating, describing it as more exciting than a Parkrun.

Why are some former fox hunters resigning from the NFH in protest?

A small minority of the NFH hunt have resigned in protest at the switch from traditional trail hunting, which involves following animal-based scents, to the new clean-boot hunting with human volunteers.

Home / Sports / Volunteers Embrace Bloodhound Chases as Foxhunting Ban Looms

Volunteers Embrace Bloodhound Chases as Foxhunting Ban Looms

15 Nov

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Summary

Increasing numbers volunteer to be chased by bloodhounds
New "clean-boot hunting" may become only legal way to hunt with dogs
Nervous reporter joins the New Forest Hounds pack for a thrilling chase

Volunteers Embrace Bloodhound Chases as Foxhunting Ban Looms

In the lead-up to the UK government's planned crackdown on trail hunting, where dogs follow animal-based scents, a growing number of people are volunteering to be the quarry in a new form of legal hunting with hounds. Known as "clean-boot hunting," this pursuit involves bloodhounds and horse riders chasing cross-country runners rather than foxes.

One of these volunteers is a nervous Guardian reporter who recently joined the New Forest Hounds (NFH) pack for a thrilling chase across the English countryside. Despite initial trepidation about being "chased by a pack of hounds," the reporter found the experience surprisingly exhilarating. The bloodhounds, known for their ability to track missing persons and escaped convicts, proved to be friendly and harmless, if boisterous, as they pursued the human quarry across bogs, rivers, and dense woodland.