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Post by rabatsa on Sept 29, 2007 7:58:46 GMT
Who is for hunting?
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Post by wally on Sept 29, 2007 8:26:21 GMT
No foxes here to hunt!
Have you seen what happens when an otter gets into your hen house? They must take lessons from foxes but we are certainly not allowed to hunt otters.
I used to work for the hunt and hunt twice a week.
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mikeb
Single Horse
Posts: 162
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Post by mikeb on Sept 29, 2007 10:31:58 GMT
I'm for it, only been out once, got roped into it whilst visiting my Aunt down in Wales... was the best day out on horseback I've ever had, closely followed by the worst week on my legs I've ever had (hadn't sat on a horse for 6 months before going). Plus we turned up dressed like a pair of scruffs and were made to feel very welcome - so the image of the elitist toffs is kinda out of whack.
I guess from the foxes point of view things may be different but it probably is the best form of selective culling as it really will mainly kill the weak/old foxes which are most likely to be the ones that take chickens/lambs etc as they can't hunt properly. I also think that the whole 'being ripped apart whilst still alive' view is exagerated - the fox will be killed pretty quickly as the first hound to get there will get it's neck - much like the big cats do.
Anyways that's my thoughts - sorry if that makes me a barbarian!
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Post by rabatsa on Sept 29, 2007 14:06:27 GMT
I'm a barbarian too. I have found it a great way to refresh jaded horses, and if the fox gets away it is unharmed unlike shooting or poisoning.
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Post by wally on Sept 29, 2007 16:07:23 GMT
I am a rubbish shot! If we go out shooting rabbits I have the dogs with me to finish any I wing by accident.
The lurcher will take a rabbit all by himself anyway and it's dead as he hits it at 90 MPH. A dog killing a rabbit is 100 times more efficient than anyone with a gun. Scale that up to a fox hound and a fox, I really cannot see the fox lasting more than a second.
If one of the terriers get a rabbit it's gone in an instant.
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Helen E
Single Pony
Defender of the Peace
Posts: 44
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Post by Helen E on Sept 29, 2007 18:03:35 GMT
I haven't been hunting for years. We used to hunt as a way of giving the show horses / ponies something different to do, and if I thought I would stay alive and in the saddle, I would love to take Baron hunting. I suspect I would have no brakes though.....
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Post by tazzle on Sept 29, 2007 21:31:54 GMT
ok , well , I am a knda sit on the fence kinda gal I DO recognise the fox can be a pest to a farmer and I DO acknowledge that hunting is probably the best way ( ethically , practically and humanely) the best way to control what in this country is a pest form a farming point of view. We ( humans) have taken away the predators that would normally predate the old, the weak and the infirm of the fox population ( I wish that the same could happen for rabbits as I hate to see the myxie rabbits around and have finished a few off myself... wish my dog would but as soon as they stop, she stops chasing them and noses them up the bum to start running again ). I also know that if we accept hunts do a good job then someone has to fund it however this is where my discomfort begins...... I find it difficult to differentiate between paying to watch a fox being killed (although I can see the attraction of taking a horse x country) and that of badger baiting or dog fighting. I know that although initially it might be said the farmer should pay to have his crops protected ....... but in a way that would only be passed on to ALL consumers. People who pay for hunting I suppose it could be argues , keep the cost down for "jo public"...... (or do they , given the supermarkets cut etc ) I suppose ( feeling rather philosophical ..... must be the wine ;D ) its a little bit like the fishing debate I eat fish and therefore cannot argue against people catching fish and eating them ....... its honest . What sits a little uneasy with me is people who "sport" fish ...... why cause distress to another living creature that has done no harm to you for "fun" and that brings me back to hunting foxes ....... when it is seen as "fun" it sits a little uneasy with me and therefore I do not go ( even if I was brave enough )
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Post by pollyanna on Sept 29, 2007 21:40:01 GMT
Very much for hunting. As a farmer's daughter I've witnessed many times over the results of a visit from the fox. I, too, feel it's a far better way of culling the weak/old/diseased fox. Much as I've no love for the fox, I hate to see them dying in agony in illegal traps or not shot cleanly etc.
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Post by wally on Sept 30, 2007 7:53:13 GMT
This is exactly what my OH view is on the subject.
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Post by rabatsa on Oct 2, 2007 21:18:03 GMT
Look how many people pay the same amount as a hunt cap to enter one or two classes at a show or hunter trial (fun?) but out hunting I get to cross land there is no way I would be allowed to go when out hacking ;D ;D I also get to see what the other farmers are hiding round the back of their buildings Well I do if I have got my contact lenses in otherwise I am so steamed up I cannot see my horses ears!!
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Post by wally on Oct 3, 2007 7:55:03 GMT
.....and what do farmers hide around the back of the barn??? I am wondering now!
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Post by gonewiththewind on Oct 3, 2007 10:31:19 GMT
I havent been hunting for years, as we dont have foxes either. I used to hunt as a child but couldnt afford it when I had to pay the full cap. I have never even seen a fox when hunting, let alone the kill so its not the fun of seeing the fox killed, its the fun of a good ride in strange country. Or if you are more skilled its the enjoyment of watching hounds work.
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Blossom
Pony Pair
Kilmannan Blossom, dales pony
Posts: 361
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Post by Blossom on Oct 4, 2007 15:20:11 GMT
I've never personally hunted, but I've seen the damage a predator can do unchecked. Humans aren't the only ones who hunt for 'fun'.
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Post by happyhorsedriver on Oct 7, 2007 20:57:24 GMT
I have never hunted but I am all for it, I think that it is all the city folk who have no idea about country life that are against it and trying to stop a sport that has been around for generations.
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melian
Novice Novice Pony
Donkey driver
Posts: 13
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Post by melian on Nov 17, 2007 10:45:05 GMT
What I say to the "fence sitter" is get out there and see for yourself. I too was a fence sitter and was persuaded to try it. I did witness a fox being killed and it was so quick the fox did not know what had happened. The "fun" part is the comraderie and the thrilling ride across counrty you would not normally ride across.
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