The Berwickshire Hounds now follow an artificial scent, laid along pre-determined routes by our skilled drag layers, generally out in the open fields. This gives a greater control of where the hounds and the field go during the course of a day’s hunting, so farmers and gamekeepers may restrict certain areas more easily. For example, if there are sensitive livestock or gamebirds in a particular area, then it can be avoided during the course of the day.
Traditions are maintained as far as possible, with hound exercise and Autumn Hunting held during the late summer and autumn, before Opening Meet, which is the beginning of the Season Proper. Traditional mounted meets are held, with hosts providing refreshments before the day begins. The attire and turnout of the mounted field is kept at a high level, in respect for the landowners and farmers who have allowed us over their land during the hunting day. The meet time is still at 10:45am during the main season also.
Our Huntsman and Whippers-In are aware of where the scent has been laid, and the hounds are set on to find the start of the drag, and follow it over natural and man-made jumps. This allows us to consistently provide an excellent day, with plenty of jumping (optional for those who aren’t keen) and take us to some excellent views of the stunning Berwickshire countryside not normally seen from horseback.
The hounds are skilled, and our drag layers use different techniques while laying to make the hounds work, so that the scent is not always easy to follow and ensuring they do not go too quickly, or get too far ahead of the field.
The Berwickshire has changed hugely since it’s origins, and we are pleased this has enabled us to welcome more followers to come and enjoy hunting, and most of all a fantastic, social day out.
