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Beagling was the hunting of hare on foot with a pack of hounds. It is similar to foxhunting, in that the hounds hunt primarily by scent, but there are no horses involved. It differs from hare coursing, where the hounds hunt entirely by sight.
Popularity
Following the Hunting Act 2004 which banned (amongst other things) The hunting of Hares with dogs in England, Wales and Scotland. Since the ban, Beagles have hunted rabbit (which is still allowed) instead of hare. Prior the ban there were 85 packs.
Location
Beagling is very much a winter activity (October to March) of the open countryside. Considered by many as an important part of English rural history, important for conservation, and as a method of pest control.
Age
There is no lower age limit, if a child or teenager is capable of handling a brisk cross country walk, lasting perhaps too hours, they will be welcomed. Beagling is an activity that can pursued as a family, together.
Ability
Other than the capability to handle a brisk cross-country walk, no special ability or clothing is necessary, (other than the hunt official who traditionally ware green jackets and white trousers).
Description
The huntsman's first job is to find a scent of a hare, by hunting the beagles (zig-zagging) across the field, if a hare or scent is found, the hounds soon settle down to try and follow the scent of the hare. As long as there is a scent to follow, they 'speak' (bark); as soon as they lose the trail, they fall silent. the beagles although similar in speed to the hare, very seldom run at top speed because they are hunting by scent rather than sight, and can only run as fast as their noses allow.
Dedication
Hares generally stick to the territory they know, which will probably cover about one square mile at most. So they will tend to run in a giant circle, heading back to the place where they started. It is this that makes it possible to hunt on foot; the beagles follow the line of the hare, and the humans take the shorter route.
Potential
To many hunting fully satisfies both their sporting and social requirements,
Closely
Related Activities
Trail-hounding 210, Drag Hunting 220, Fox hunting 333, Bassets, Harriers 334 or Terriers, Hunter Trials, Point to Points 237 and many of the countryside field sports.
Cost
Beagling overhead costs are much less than its illustrious relative, traditional fox hunting. Due mainly to fact there are no horses to maintain and secondly the beagles being a much smaller hound all associated costs are proportinally reduced (feed, kenneling and transport). Most hunts will allow you to attend for a single day at a cost of around £15. A full annual subscription costs from around £250.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
|
Legs
|
Sight
|
Hearing
|
Speech |
Learning |
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