Hark to emmmm!

Hunting at Plainfield on Wednesday, November 4th or “The Wiley Coyote”

2009-11-16T12:42:00.000-05:00

It wasn’t exactly the kind of hunting day that was expected at Plainfield. And when Budweiser started speaking in the woods between Plainfield Road and the 40-acre field, Fred thought “Oh, he is babbling again” and so he got onto him. Next thing I heard over the radio was something like “Darn if that Budweiser wasn’t right!!” The pack picked up his line and took off towards Plainfield Road. Fortunately, Elaine and Shannon saw the coyote, and he turned back into the jump side of the territory. Patriot and I headed back to the 40-acre field, and there I saw him for the first time of the day, just trotting across the field towards the woods on the west side. The hounds were soon in full cry after him. What a sight!! He took the hounds on a trek, here and there, and down to the hiking trail, heading east. What, no, now he was heading west again. I went up the gas line to the field, and there I saw him for the second time that day. I galloped on over to watch the gas line where the foot bridge is, and saw him again (time #3), heading into the woods, and headed for Lake Brandt Road. Down into the swamp and up the hill, he and the hounds both headed. I sat there on the south side of the coop in the swamp, debating whether or not to jump it into the cow field since there were other whips already there. When what to my surprise, here he came back down the hill in reverse (that was #4 sighting). I know Fred was relieved when I told him that the hounds were coming back into the territory. Then I heard Jan say that the coyote was over the coop (near the old round pen) and headed back towards Plainfield Road. We all galloped up to the road, Fred with most of the hounds, and at that point, Fred made a wise decision to stop the exhausted hounds (after running for an hour and a half) and let the coyote go on his way thinking that it had been a fun little jaunt. (He was seen crossing the road at the Hendicks.) Each time I saw him, he did not seem overly stressed that the hounds were following him - he just trotted out in front of them. He was a very accommodating coyote! So, lesson learned for the day – Budweiser is not just a pretty face and perhaps not a babbler – he knew what he was talking about!! And I am sure that Randall will not let anyone forget it!!

July 26 Montana Chronicle

2009-07-29T10:07:00.004-04:00

Garry and Carol arrived from NC on Sunday, George and Deb from Smith Mountain on Tuesday. We hunted Tuesday at same place as Sunday, but didn't do as well - short run on a viewed coyote.

Hunted Thursday near Dillon with the Treasure State Hunt at the headwaters of the Big Hole River. Our hounds worked hard but no fresh game. The fields were riddled with holes and two horses went down, no serious injuries; but Garry's horse got tangled up in wire and went down, stepped on Garry and sent him to the hospital... badly bruised and scraped up. He is ok but he and Carol have headed on back to NC.

"Maverick and the Bear": Saturday, George, Deb, Lloyd, Fred and Elaine went hunting back up at Sweetwater Creek. We found a big black bear and ran it for 2 hours. The hounds fought it down the creek and Maverick got bit on the butt. All horses (especially Smoke), hounds and people were exhausted, except Maverick, who wants some more.

July 19 Montana Chronicle

2009-07-20T08:45:00.008-04:00

Penn-Marydel hounds from North Carolina can run Montana coyotes.

But, first things first: The second night here we hauled horses to the high mountains where we camped. The horses had to learn to be hobbled in order to eat. Smoke is a slow learner The next morning we helped drive 400 cows and calves the final 5 miles of the way to their summer pasture. There can not be a more majestic cattle drive.

The next day we hauled horses and mules to some higher mountains where we rode for 4 hours to camp at a beautiful pass. The mules gave the horses a lesson in the "hobble hop," a fast way to get around in hobbles. We saw 4 bears, one elk and a wolf. The wildflowers were something. Lloyd, 85, oversaw the entire event, as they were his mules and he has packed hundreds of miles with them.

Today we were back in the saddle, but with hounds-something Elaine and I understand. There were five of us: Lloyd's son Charlie; Jay, the manager of the 1000 head of cattle on the Anderson Ranch; his son Paul, who we have picked out for Randall; Elaine and me. Lloyd, had a sore leg from the previous three hard days of riding, and he took a pass. We met in sage brush country that is almost completely open; a place Jay and Paul said there were lots of coyotes. We took 14 of our 16 hounds as Yankee has come in season and Pogo was elected to stay and keep her company. Of course, Dozer, Paul's coonhound cowdog was along, too. As they are haying on the ranch almost around the clock, Jay and Paul could not get there until 8 am, so we started later than we would like.

The day was hot but there was good cloud cover. The first three hours were spent learning. About cactus, antelope, jack rabbits, and especially badgers. Around eleven Dozer holed one in a bank. Our hounds came to help, but the sound of the badger growling made them less enthusiastic than they are when we put a fox to ground. But we could not find a coyote. As we were admiring Dozers work, Jay heard a coyote yelp in the hills nearby. Apparently it is pretty common for Dozer's commotion to bring a coyote to investigate. And even though it was hot and late, we went looking. Paul spotted the coyote heading over the top of a ridge 200 yards away. It took about 5 minutes to get the hounds to the top of the ridge but when I topped it the coyote was just 20 yards away. It had waited. I guess it thought we were just Dozer. It learned better. Of the 14 hounds, 11 made it away on the coyote, which indeed had an "O.S." moment. For about 3-4 miles we had a fine chase and could see the hounds working up and down the hills and often we could see the coyote as it blasted out of Dodge. The 11 hounds stayed right together but finally the heat and the hill whipped them and they gave up when the coyote ran through a herd of cattle. The three hounds that did not keep up were two young hounds, Nimrod and Earl, and Leadbelly, who suffers from a low IQ. But the stragglers soon showed up and after a long ride we got back to the trailers about one We had a hunt breakfast of beer. It was good.

After getting back to the LL Ranch and getting animals squared away and getting some real food and a rest Charlie and Lloyd and I walked down the hill to the river and caught brown trout for supper. That was good, too.

Just before dark Gary and Carol arrived safely from three days travel from NC. Tomorrow we rest and get some more horses. Tuesday we try again.

March 21, 2009 - Plainfield

2009-03-21T18:11:00.003-04:00

It was a fun and exciting day with our substitute huntsman, Rich, who is normally a Master. In addition to his command of the hounds, Rich displayed skill with the camera and horn. Here it is, preserved for all to see.

Randall, Junior Whipper-In, showcases her investigative abilities as she searches for the quarry.

Performance Trial in Hoffman, NC - March 7 & 8, 2009

2009-03-09T18:26:00.000-04:00

What a weekend! It is hard to know where to start.

*Hunting. *Counting the Moore County Hounds, which huntsman Jody Murtagh brought so he would have some familiar faces, there were 7 packs: Moore County, Sedgefield, Rockbridge, New Market-Middletown, Mecklenburg, Red Mountain and Stonewall. There were American, Crossbred, and Penn-Marydel hounds which for the most part had never seen each other. We stuffed them in a horse trailer for 15 minutes, Jody went in and put the mojo on them and then they hunted like one balanced pack for two fantastic days of hunting.

The first day was slow for the first hour and that gave the hounds a chance to get the feel of each other and the country. All the visiting huntsmen rode behind and were impressed how Jody gave the hounds plenty of time to hunt the "heads;" the wet places in the Sandhills that drain the land and which can not be ridden across. The hounds finally started speaking in a large head/creek and a coyote was viewed away at the bottom, which most of the pack followed; another went out the side with one hound behind it, Sedgefield Popper, darn it; and a third slipped out the back alone. (later a freshly dug earth was seen at the side of the head.) A full cry hour later the run ended. Of the 41 hounds out we had 37 at the end of the run. It doesn't get much better. By then it was 70 degrees and the horses and hounds were beat. With a long hack back to the meet and another day of hunting ahead we called it quits.

The second day started an hour earlier since the time changed on us. We cast soon after daylight and knew it was going to get warm fast. We had 9000 acres to chose from but we knew where three coyotes lived so we headed back in that direction. After a couple of false starts the hounds cold trailed for about 15 minutes, picking up steam all the time and then a small coyote was viewed crossing one of the many dirt roads on the property. It was full cry for the next hour and a half, finally ending in a swamp that was right at the edge of the world. Many horses were exhausted. I had to commandeer a "fresh" one from Paula Nelson, the Hilltopper's field master. Like the day before we were missing just a few hounds at the end.

Jody did an excellent job of hunting the pack. He made and executed difficult decisions on the spot and we had two of the best days' sport of the year. *
The facility and grounds. *The PT was held at the Gordon bird dog field trial grounds which are owned by North Carolina. The Clubhouse, stables, corrals and kennels are located in the middle of 9000 acres of sandhill pine forest. Each year thousands of quail are released. It is an incredible facility. But given its extensive use by the bird dog competitors it is hard to secure for a fox hunting. In fact, in order to fox hunt it you have to be in a performance trial.

*Hydration and nutrition. *Lots and lots of great food and beverages of every type were available breakfast, lunch and dinner for two days.

*Those who made it possible: *
The Moore County Hounds. As an incredible gift of support Moore County lent us their country (Even though the property is state owned and very difficult to secure the use of, it is in the Moore County territory.), their huntsman, and their whips. And since they didn't have a huntsman or whips they canceled a regularly scheduled day of hunting. We can not say thank you enough for this very neighborly thing. We will help you raise a barn someday.

The Judges: Jody Murtagh, Kerrie Murtagh Hayes, Clive Rose, Mitzi Cabeen, and Lincoln Sadler. These judges rode hard to make sure they could get as many scores as possible.

The food team: Erin Esposito, aka Kitchen Bitch, and her team of champions: Kit Lippert, Jan Sorrells, Paula Nelson, Judy Gallman, Elaine Berry, Drs. Spillman, Jenifer Pendergass, The Wiseman family and others who I am forgetting.
The Scorers: David Altfeder and his understudy Randall Wiseman

He who know and does all: Lincoln Sadler.

Visiting huntsmen: David Raley, Red Mountain; Doug Russell, Mecklenburg; Lili Wykle, Sonewall (cutest huntsman); George Harne, New Market-Middltown (second cutest huntman); David Connor, Rockbridge. These folks are the best and each has fantastic hounds.

Donald Minor: our kennelman and road whip.

We really really appreciate what everyone did.

*The Winners: "Who is that 74 dog?"
*The competition was really secondary to the adventure of hunting together with the best hounds of seven packs on an incredible facility. What an adventure. And almost every time I saw the hounds you could throw a blanket over them. So what I take away is a rich experience of a /superpack/. Nevertheless, the judges captured lots of scores and a few hounds stood out and Rockbridge Clay, number 74 was the winner. As I type this at the office the list of the top hounds is at home so I will sent the list of the top hounds out tomorrow.
The pack winners were: 1, Rockbridge; 2,Sedgefield; 3, Red Mountain

Cloverdale Lowgrounds – 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 21, 2009

2009-02-25T21:30:00.002-05:00

SH members arrived at the meet late Saturday morning. The field consisted of Kit and Kaitlyn. The hilltoppers, Paula, Sara, Bob, and Jennifer, followed. We moved off with 15 couple of hounds.

The day started out fairly slow with the first few coverts coming up blank.

Over an hour into the hunt Fred dismounted to walk with the pack into a covert. After a couple of minutes the hounds were giving tongue and were off. While Fred waited for his “Plow Pony” (Cash) to be dragged back to him the hounds could be heard in full cry. We finally caught up to the pack when they were stopped by the Whips close to a bridge on 58. This run was a small warm-up for what was to come.

The real action started when the hounds were cast below the pond and dam. We waited while the pack worked the small patch of woods along the river; a beautiful Penn-Marydel voice rang out, followed by many more. The hounds took off down the river trail, then curling back into the country. They ran a couple minutes before the first check. Jan sent off the first Tally Ho for a red coyote, and the pack was dead on! They ran in full cry making a large arc back to the river, on their way allowing more views of the beautiful coyote. When the coyote hit the river trail again it turned left and the pack followed. The wonderful territory provided a very exciting run, allowing the field to keep close to the action! We raced alongside the pack as they ran, with Photographer in the lead. As the coyote neared 58, it turned left toward the Leggett barn (more views in the process). Not 20 seconds later, the hounds did the same, they held check and had a much needed (for everyone) breather after crossing the small field. Plaza picked up the fresh line and they were off, voices ringing in the lowgrounds. Our coyote was sighted again by multiple riders and land owners, while it made another loop back to the river, this time turning right on the river trail, away from 58. The Whips and fields galloped on after the pack, leaving their poor huntsmen on a tuckered out Cash. The hounds ran right back to the same covert where the amazing run first began. There, the coyote disappeared. The pack stopped and returned to their huntsmen waiting at the pond. After a drink for hounds, horses, and riders we headed back toward the meet.

14 ½ couple of hounds were loaded into the trailer; Prado was out to be doctored on by Kit. His six inch wound was cleaned and sewn up. After Prado was taken care of and put in the truck we had a wonderful tailgate.

Lennox Farm - Saturday, January 24

2009-01-27T21:57:00.009-05:00

Hunt members, horses, and 14 couple of hounds gathered at the meet on Saturday morning. We moved off at 9:00am looking forward to great sport.

Fred took the pack to the first covert. In less than 15 minutes the hounds had spooked a grey fox out of hiding and into the view of whipper-in Elaine. The hounds burst out of the covert speaking, and raced down the trail to where the fox was viewed. They ran down through the timbered woods, pushing on around the pond and back toward us. We fell in behind the pack while they searched for scent in a patch of woods by an old barn. Maverick
then lead the pack excitedly across the next couple field and back into the trees. This run lasted about 45 minutes before the pack lost the line and moved on to hunt for another fox willing to give chase!

The hounds worked hard the rest of the morning. We came in with 13 ½ couple of hounds; Vacuum
was picked up that afternoon.

The pictures from our game camera on Lennox Farm show it is home to one or more grey foxes and a couple coyotes!

Lennox Farm – 1:30pm Sunday, January 4, 2009

2009-01-06T19:36:00.005-05:00

It was a cold and wet morning; according to Frank it would be another “Super Change” day. 15 couple of hounds came out. Faust
was equipped with his new “technology,” and we were off.

We started hunting near the trailers. The hounds snorted through a briar patch when Vapor

burst out! He was hot on a rabbit, just feet in front of the big dog! The rabbit
raced in a small circle and shot back into the briars. Vapor was beat by the little bunny.

Unfortunately, the hounds were bored by the slow day. They tried to provide more excitement by running the lines of their fellow foxhounds. We were out for almost 4 hours before getting back to the meet with 14 ½ couple of hounds; Primrose
was found later.

New Year’s Day Party

2009-01-04T08:46:00.001-05:00

By 7:00pm the Judy's house was populated with the friendly faces of our Sedgefield Hunt members! We enjoyed a covered dish dinner and wonderful conversations.

Shrimp Toast:
1 small jar of mayo
8 oz of cooked, diced shrimp
1 teaspoon of dill (dried or fresh)
2 tablespoons of green onion, chopped
8 oz of Swiss cheese

Mix all of the ingredients and spread a tablespoon or more on thinly sliced baguette or white cocktail bread.

Place on pan and bake at 375 for 15 minutes (or until melted).

Enjoy!

New Year’s Day Hunt Plainfield Road – 11:00am Thursday, January 1, 2009

2009-01-04T08:30:00.014-05:00

Sedgefield Hunt members arrived at the meet on Plainfield Road at 11:00am (I’m sure the time was scheduled for all our party animals up all night on New Year’s Eve). 15 ½ couple of hounds, including a few new and young entry - Budweiser ,
Nimrod ,
and Keeper - jumped out of the trailer. They looked determined to start this new year off showing great sport, and they did!

The hunt moved off to the first covert across the road. We hunted over to the pond, across the dam, up the wood line, and into the big field. The day was going along at a slow pace until we came closer to the gas line.

At the gas line the hounds gave tongue and were off! The field galloped behind their Masters, Fred and Rich, up the gas line and into a trail to the left. The pack crossed the creek, they ran parallel to it until turning right and crossing back over. We waited, once back out on the gas line, for the pack coming toward us. They worked the line, moving parallel to the road, for about 10-15 minutes. When the hounds came up to Plainfield Road and their noses hit the hot pavement their cry kicked up to another level! The pack raced, roaring toward the bottom! We galloped along a ridge in the woods looking down on our hounds, who (all but Budweiser)
jumped enthusiastically in and out of the creek following their lead hounds, Photographer
and Maverick ,
in pursuit of their quarry; Budweiser
has not quite been convinced he will not drown in the few inch deep water.

We stopped on the power line beside a large briar patch. The hounds worked hard through the thick briars (I can say from experience: it was not easy getting through that stuff!). We were waiting between the wood line and briars when a reddish-grey strike shot by Fred and Pilgrim! Randy called, “Tally ho!” The field and a few hilltoppers had a view of the fluffy Grey Fox! The fox must have been working his magic, because when the pack got out of the briars (maybe 5-8 minutes later) they were not able to find the scent; the fox had vanished.

Hounds and horses hacked to the 40 Acre Field. They hunted back to the power line and up to the road. We crossed the road and worked down to the bottom behind the meet. At the swamp, Ezra
spoke on a log and was honored by Plain Jane. They moved along the line slowly while other hounds (including Vacuum!) joined in. We watched the amazing teamwork of our pack of Penn-Marydels! After a couple minutes, we walked down the trail. Out on the gas line the hound inventory was checked; 15 couple were accounted for. Vacuum ,
for once, was not supervising his field members; he was found and returned to the kennel that evening.

Boxing Day - Friday, December 26

2008-12-27T21:59:00.002-05:00

A large crowd gathered at the meet with many new faces out to enjoy the hunt. The Sedgefield horse and hound trailer pulled up, followed by a few hounds (no, we do not make our hounds run to the meets now) - deer hounds that were hunting close by. Once the deer hounds were out of view, the trailer door was opened and out came 13½ couple hounds.

The hounds were cast into the first covert, the Pines by Pete’s house, where they started a short run up the hill through the Pines. After deciding they could be on the line of the deer hounds, we moved on to hunt toward the Bobcat Patch.

Our hounds worked hard in the tall grass. Some spoke but never got anywhere with it; they could have put something to ground.

We hunted for about another 30 minutes until it was decided to head in. From Paula’s calculations there was only an hour and a half of sunlight left in the day.

As we came out of the woods into the big field below the trailers, the hounds became “Super Charged” (playback of last Sunday’s hunt at Plainfield )! First, the hounds took off toward the right and the whippers-in moved quickly in front to stop the action. They did stop running right, but then made a 180-degree turn and were off again, in full cry! The pack raced down the field and into the Pines at the bottom. We listened to them sing while they went up through the pine trees and down the other side. The field followed the pack's cry until the hounds stopped near the wooden bridge, where we were able to catch up.

Once more, we started back to the trailers. As we hacked up the big field, the pack was still fired up! At the top of the field, beside the trailers, Photographer (who was being tortured the whole way up the hill by not being allowed to follow scent) spoke and led the pack, at racing speed, down the field. They started into the Pines until the gun shots combined with scolding and the cracking of hunt whips halted their pursuit.

All 13½ couple were loaded safely into the trailer.

Thanks to Pete and Jennifer for hosting the tailgate! It was a Merry Boxing Day!

December 21, Plainfield Road

2008-12-23T07:16:00.002-05:00

After the hard rain Saturday night through Sunday morning, it looked like we would not be hunting, but around 8:30 a.m. the rain clouds cleared. The hunt met at Plainfield Road at 1:30 p.m. The pack consisted of 15 couple hounds including a new American hound from Why Worry Hounds, Keeper, and one of our new entry out for his first day hunting, Budweiser.

We moved off and Fred cast the hounds behind the meet. For the next couple hours the wind was blowing and hounds were having trouble holding a line. One would speak, others would honor, we would start to get excited about a run, then it was done and hounds were back in search of more scent.

As we started moving back toward the trailers, the wind began to die down and the temperature started to drop fast. Hounds lit up in the bottom behind the meet! They ran along the bottom, then swung around and came back to the swamp. The pack took a plunge into the cold swamp water, still in full cry, and ran, swam, and jumped through the low grounds. We watched and listened with no way to stop them from the bank; what an awesome picture it would have been!

Fred, atop his “trusty steed” (a.k.a. Judy’s wonderful Thoroughbred, Patriot), followed by Jennifer leading the field, raced along the trails around the swamp where the hounds had gone. We crossed a wide section of the creek, about chest high for most the horses, and raced on, hoping to get back with the hounds and stop them before they were out of the territory. Fred, Lloyd, Chris, and Jennifer galloped up the power line and into the woods on the far side as many of the hounds were still racing ahead in front of them. The rest of the field pulled up and waited on the power line.

We heard the horn; 12 couple of hounds along with their huntsmen and a couple of whippers-in came back out to the power line. As we headed in, being joined by more hounds on the way back, Lloyd and B-12 decided to provide more entertainment for us all. B-12 practiced his Lipizzaner style leaps and bolted, thinking the gun shot off of him was the cue.

On the way up the gas line the pack fired up again! Fred and Chris were able to get around in front of them once more to stop the action before it got too far along. Once all back together we moved on, heading back to the trailers once more. And again an “old faithful” spoke and the pack followed; scent was amazing! We stood in a small field by the road, just a little way up from the trailers, and waited for the whips to round up the hounds, who were “super changed,” as Fred called them back from the hot scent all around them!

Finally, for the last time, we started back to the meet. With all 15 couple tucked away in the Sedgefield hound and horse trailer, the hunt came to its close. There was much to talk about at the tailgate!

2008-12-16T11:41:00.004-05:00

The Sedgefield Hunt traveling team had a great trip and joint meet with the Why Worry hounds in South Carolina last weekend. We hunted two days: Saturday with our hounds and Sunday with the Why Worry pack. Folks are still talking about Saturday's hunt. We were very lucky with scent and the fact that there was lots of game and the good work of the whips in stopping hounds before they got out of the country. Sunday the Why Worry hounds ran great as well-unfortunately the best running was across a swamp- but we could really appreciate the speed and drive of the beautiful hounds.

The hospitality of the Why Worry members and staff was fantastic. Lots of fun and fellowship and hard riding. As they say in Aiken, "It's a good life if you don't weaken."

A special thanks to George and Jeanie and their beautiful joint-master, Lynn, who really went the extra mile to make us feel welcome. Thanks thanks thanks.

On another note: A couple of weeks ago we drafted several hounds to the Aiken hounds, a drag pack. One of the hounds was Poncho. Some of you may remember that he won lots of ribbons at the Carolinas hound show for his stunning good looks and that he is also a "Centennial Hound," meaning he placed well in a Centennial Performance Trial. Unfortunately for us, he became too vocal. However, he has found a second career. According to the folks at Aiken who I talked to, he is now everybody's favorite. Even members of the field know him. Way to go, Poncho.

Finally, as you can see from the picture, there is a gray fox at Fuquay Farms. This picture was taken by our game camera over the last few days. The lump you see is some of our barbecue. It will be a fat fox soon. Thanks to Donald for the camera work.

Thursday, December 4 at Lenox Farm

2008-12-11T08:22:00.001-05:00

For the first time ever, Sedgefield hosted the District (NC and SC) Masters’ Meeting, which included hunts at two of our territories. On Thursday afternoon, Red Mountain brought their 17 couple of foxhounds to our Lenox Farm territory in Caswell County. David, their huntsman, was hunting the hounds, and several of their whips and masters and members were there as well as some from other hunts too. The first couple of hours were blank, and we were hunting back towards the meet, when Fred, Carol and Katherine (Aiken huntsman) saw some tracks and debated whether there was fox, coyote or bobcats around. So David cast the hounds from there, and they took off in cry. We believe there were 2 grey foxes in the covert, one of which they chased around for a while. Then the non-hunted fox proceeded to head towards hwy 150. We stopped the hounds from running into the road, but unfortunately, the fox met an untimely death when it got hit and killed by a car on the road. David tried to get the hounds back onto the trail of the hunted fox, but as it was getting dark by that time, he decided to gather them up and head for the meet.

Thanksgiving Hunt - November 27, 2008, Fuquay Farms

2008-11-27T12:52:00.002-05:00

It was a beautiful day for a hunt. Martin and family (including 10-day old Martha Ann) provided a lovely stirrup cup. We also had a photographer out for portraits and possible photos for our calendar, a new project this year.

We started at the fox ravine and wound ourselves around the territory until we were on the other side of Paul's land in one of the fields. The hounds found a line in the woods and made their way down the hill toward Odell's bottom. After ascertaining that the hounds were going to keep going, Fred led the field toward the bottom. Because we couldn't make it through the woods, we galloped back down the trail, across the field, around the pasture, through the rye field and into the woods, where we picked up the hounds. We then did a loop from the bottom around the pond and finally back to the fox ravine for a last sweep.

Fred declared that since it was Thanksgiving, we'd retire a little early so (in his words), "the women can cook and the men can watch the women cook." Let's hope Elaine puts him to work.

Sunday, November 23 at Lennox Farm

2008-11-24T19:57:00.003-05:00

The hunt started slowly, as two hours went by and the hounds had hardly made a noise. The deer hunters to whom we sub-lease the territory were riding around checking their stands, and it seemed that the extra activity would dampen our prospects.

Fred worked the hounds along the edge of a large field and the pack perked up as a few hounds began to speak. After a few minutes, more hounds joined in as the pack started to follow the line. The hounds ran past Chris M., Lloyd's whipper-in in training, and into the woods. Fred followed and he and Chris M. took off after the hounds as they ripped through the countryside.

After about 15 minutes, the hounds had made a large loop and Fred guessed it was a red fox. But this changed as their direction straightened and the pack moved off the farm. Fred and Chris followed for another 20 minutes, trying to get in front and stop the hounds, navigating a fallen timber moonscape and not knowing exactly where they were. They got within a few hundred yards, saw the pack running along a ridge and tried to blow the horn and shoot to get them to stop, but the hounds were locked on and kept going.

At about this time, the field, led by the other whipper-in Chris M., somehow caught up without a radio and the group tried to follow the hounds through the thick woods. It was getting dark and thankfully the hounds had slowed and we bumped right into them. The run had lasted at least an hour and Fred was convinced it had been a coyote.

We brought the hounds back and had all fifteen couple. Everyone went to Claude and Jan’s house afterward, where they had a great dinner prepared, taking the tailgate to another level.

November 19, 2008 - Fuquay Farms

2008-11-19T18:05:00.001-05:00

Today's hunt was fairly uneventful. We put a fox to ground, but did not get on any long runs. We had a large turnout for a Wednesday.

Hunt Night on November 14th Hosted by Red Mountain Hounds

2008-11-18T22:27:00.002-05:00

Not rain or even ankle deep red mud could dampen the spirits of Sedgefield Hunt members Cindy Rice, Mary Marshall Fariss, Elizabeth Folk, Laura Folk and Rene’ Folk, who participated in Hunt Night hosted by the Red Mountain Hounds. We braided our horses under the barn shelter, watched a few of the AA jumping rounds, shopped a little, changed at the hotel then warmed up our horses in the indoor JB Hunt arena.

We enjoyed the friendly camaraderie amongst ourselves and with the other Hunt members. When it came time to show, the Sedgefield Hunt members were on task. Mary Marshall, Elizabeth and Laura competed in the Junior Flat Class and Mary Marshall and Elizabeth competed in the Junior Over Fences. Elizabeth won the flat class on her horse, Motown Mo, and Laura closely followed with a second on Cindy’s pony, Moo Cha Cha. Mary Marshall and her horse, Cee Cee Fariss, placed 4th in the jumping and Elizabeth placed 2nd which enabled her and Mo to take home the Champion of the Junior Division ribbon.

Cindy and Rene’ competed in the Ladies Flat and Rene’ competed in the Ladies Over Fences class. Cindy brought home a 5th on her hunt horse, Grayson, and Rene’ brought home a 4th on Supra Scarlett. Rene’ then won a 2nd in the Over Fences class which enabled her to take home the Reserve Champion in the Ladies Division ribbon.

After 5 minutes of debating, Mary Marshall, Rene’ and Elizabeth competed in the Trios over Fences. Talk about fun!!!! Our team placed 3rd even with Cee Cee bucking every now and then!

We were so glad Lore Fariss and Randy Jones were there to cheer us own and cluck when needed! Lore took lots of pictures and Randy posed with lots of ribbons! We all enjoyed the refreshments Red Mountain furnished while we were between classes. An absolute fun time on a rainy evening!

November 16, 2008 - Plainfield 1:30 p.m.

2008-11-17T21:53:00.001-05:00

Hunting was slow; we sighted many deer and a few turkeys, but no luck finding a fox or coyote.

Opening Meet

2008-11-11T21:52:00.007-05:00

This past Saturday, November 8, 2008, Sedgefield Hunt held the 2008- 2009 hunt season Opening Meet. Our Plainfield Hunt territory was beautifully decorated with elegant horses and the excited (somewhat awake) faces of their riders. At 8:30 a.m., riders gathered for the stirrup cup and Blessing of the Hounds.

At 9:00 a.m. the SH Foxhounds and Huntsman/Joint Master of Foxhounds, Fred, moved off with the “go ahead” from Joint Masters Martin and Richard. First Flight followed, led by Field Master Kit and Hilltopers led by Field Master Paula. Fred hacked the 11 ½ couple hounds to the first covert, across the field.

The day (sunny and warm, making for pretty pictures, but not excellent scenting conditions) was going slow and blank. As we started up the power line, a couple hours after moving off, a foot follower, Frank, standing up the power line called down that several deer had just crossed the power line above us. Our hounds walked on, right over the hot deer line; yes, we do have an awesome pack of Penn-Marydels!

After coming up the power line, we moved back across Plainfield Road by the Thanksgiving Coop and the hounds lit up! Photographer led the pack down the field, and into the woods as Fred blew “Gone Away.” The pack ran in full cry with all in until they finally stopped in a patch of woods, where they put a grey to ground.

We went on in search of a coyote willing to give us another good run. Walking along the bottom of a small, tall grass patch off the gas line, Kit and Paula instructed their field members to go “Tall Grass Hunting.” In military style, everyone turned where they were, side by side, and moved across the field. We stirred up a deer, but were unable to find our coyote. After another half hour we headed in.

With the hounds put away, horses untacked, and people ready to eat and drink, everyone gathered at the tents for the Masters' Breakfast. We had a wonderful meal, in great company. Awards were given and colors were awarded to Ben, Kaitlyn, and Elizabeth F.