Day 58 of the Hunting Season - December 31st, 2010

Day 58 of the Hunting Season - December 31st, 2010

NEW YEARS EVE

Meet: Red Pump

Temps: in the 30's

Couples: 21 Couples *Puppies Kane, Kirkwood, Kalev, Kent, Kiwi, Kiki, Kia, Kay

Staff:
Huntsman- James Paxson MFH, Whippers-in- Fred VonC MFH, Dr. Carl Mease, Dott Cochran, Hoppy Sterns, Priscilla Godsoe, Field Masters- Duncan Patterson MFH, Gary Kennedy, Hound Trucks - Leo and Flora Erb, and Karen Kennedy

Start: 10:15am
End: 1:ishpm

Well.... .... .... It wasnt a blank day, but it wasnt much of a day either.

All 42 hounds stayed together and worked hard, but they couldnt go on with anything.

You could tell a fox had been out and about but its never a good thing when the Huntsman 'smells' the fox. I guess all off us whips could have picked up Dawn and Dorthy, Drummer and Diana, Daniel and Issac, Devon and Beazie, Easter and Empress and then maybe we could have run a fox.

Oh well, such is the way of fox hunting!

Tomorrow will be the Blessing Of The Hounds and New Years Day Hunt
We hope that everyone will join us at 11:00am - whether you are on a horse or not!
After hunting we will have brunch in the Pigery - if you can bring something we would appriciate it!

Day 57 of the Hunting Season - December 29th, 2010

Day 57 of the Hunting Season - December 29th, 2010

Meet: Herr's Stone Lane

Temps: in the 30's

Couples: 20 1/2 Couples *Puppies Kane, Kent, Kiwi(*first hunt), Kiki & Kia

Staff:
Huntsman- James Paxson MFH, Whippers-in- Priscilla Godsoe, Impromptu Whips - Melissa Gartland, Field Masters- Gary Kennedy, Hound Trucks - Dott Cochran
Start: 10:00am
End: 12:12pm



Hounds stayed together so great and ran a couple fast foxes!

We started out with 5 'River Hillers' on horseback - Jimmy, Melissa, Carlee, Gary, and myself, and then Dot showed up a little later in the truck to view fox and watch the roads. We were not totally sure where everyone was today, maybe too much Holiday cheer? No one could fit into their breeches? I dont know. But, I'd say everyone missed out on a fun day.

So, we started out to the right of the meet heading towards the trailer park. MFH Jimmy had some issues navigating the 'cows', and the puppies thought the cows had some very exciting smells, especially the smells that they could roll around in!

As we past the trailer park, Dawn picked up a line and the pack was off. They dropped into the woods parallelling West Ridge Road and made there way into Barkers side of the meet. The were quiet s the older hounds worked a couple logs and then flew out of the woods! It would have a great video had I been more prepared with my camera!

Out of the woods and over the coops to the big cow pasture above Jim's horse field. Hounds ran straight to one hole and out came the fox from another hole. He ran through the Stump Woods, back to Barkers Woods and then went to ground.

On our way out of Barkers Woods we pushed out another fox and ran him through the Stump Woods, to the bank by Jim's pond, up around the Old Barn Foundation and then back out towards the coop at the cow field and then lost him?

MFH Jimmy moved the hounds out of the Stump Woods area towards Jim's Clear Woods, in the direction of the hole near the Park Woods. As they past over the hole they picked up a line on the park trail and took it across Jim's Drive and under the power lines. Dott viewed the fox come off the bank above Jim's Barn and crossed up through the horse field.

MFH Jimmy moved the hounds through the cow pasture in the direction of where Dot viewed. Cows were rather interested by all the hounds and it was just safer to move through, even if we hadn't viewed a fox. Not long after the hounds were on the line and they took it up through the horse field, out into the cow pasture, dropped into the Stump Woods again, crossed the little stream to the Old Barn Foundation, and then took a straight line towards the big cow pasture and the coop.

Melissa and I view the fox but he went right towards Freemont Road. With pretty much no whips out, and already having had a great morning of runs, we pulled the hounds up as soon as we realized where the fox was heading.

It was a good day! And... we came back with every hound. I shouldn't have been worried but we did cover a lot of area, so, it was 'cool' to know that they were all working well together.

NEXT MEET: Friday at RED PUMP at 10:00am

DON'T FORGET!!!
BLESSING OF THE HOUNDS - SATURDAY - DOWN PATRICK MEET - 11:00am

Day 56 of the Hunting Season - December 25th, 2010

Merry, Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Day 56 of the Hunting Season - December 25th, 2010

Meet: Red Pump

Temps: in the high 20's

Couples: 19 Couples *Puppies Kiki, Kane, Kalev, Keno, & Kia

Staff:
Huntsman- James Paxson MFH, Whippers-in- Priscilla Godsoe, Impromptu Whips - Saran Singh, Sarah Gartland, Melissa Gartland, Field Masters- James Paxson MFH, Hound Trucks - None

Start: 10:00am
End: 12:30pm

Well folks, if you weren't out with us today, you sure did missed a good day!

MFH Jimmy, Saran, and I started out by going into then kennel figuring out which hounds to take hunting this morning... I dont know why the hound faces looked more sad of Christmas Day than other days, but they did. The result - taking 39 hounds out with one whip and three impromptu fill in whips.

LUCKILY we had a good day and the hounds made great Christmas Hounds!

We started out by heading towards the bamboo forest and the hounds picked up a line early towards Lees Bridge Rd but we had to pull them up. MFH Jimmy pull the hounds up through the clear woods towards DeVines and they started again really strong taking the line in the woods below the junk yard and dropped towards Hogs Run.

Hounds crossed Hogs Run and kept along the bottom towards the Bridge Abutment, had a little trouble but moved up towards the woods with the two coops and across towards the first deer stand near Lees Bridge. Hounds kept it going towards the Highland cattle and out in the direction of the Mouse House. From here it was a bit quiet as the hounds works slowly through the woods on the Mouse House side but went full tilt again on the meet side of the point heading into the amphitheater, across the fields above the woods with the two coops, along the old fence line by the old drive.

Hounds gave me a GOOD scare as they took the line right along Lees Bridge, making me think they were going to cross at any time, but they were careful and took it straight through the old dump in the woods and down to Red Pump Road. Hounds hit a miss on the road, and since we had everyone and all the hounds we headed back to the meet since we were pretty close.

It was a fun filled morning. Hounds were good. Puppies had some funny moments too!



Looks like we will be getting some snow so keep posted for Monday!

Cheers!

Day 55 of the Hunting Season - December 24th, 2010

Day 55 of the Hunting Season - December 24th, 2010

Meet: Ankrum's Dog Box

Temps: in the high 20's (windy)

Couples: 16 1/2 Couples *Puppies Kiki, Kane, Keno, & Kirkwood

Staff:
Huntsman- James Paxson MFH, Whippers-in- Fred VonC MFH, Dr. Carl Mease, Priscilla Godsoe, Dot Cochran, Hoppy Stearns, Field Masters- Duncan Patterson MFH, Gary Kennedy, Hound Trucks - Karen Kennedy, and Leo & Flora Erb

Start: 10:00am
End: 12:00pm

We had a really fun Christmas Eve Hunt with the River Hill's Family.

Hounds started out by dropping down out of the wind by the Old House and kept dropping until they were able to pick up a light line that they were able to take up the pipeline and towards the two streams by Ankrum's and Gibson's.

The hounds were able to run well in the woods out of the wind, but had a time of it in the open fields. A few times when I was close to the hounds and watching them work the line up through the woods and into the field, I could see the hounds so concentrated and then they had a look of shock when they hit the field and the scent was just gone! I actually felt bad for them.

They lost the fox somewhere in between the bone woods and the pipeline. Most likely he went to ground in his regular hole in the heavy briers and fallen branches below the dog box.



MFH Jimmy took the hounds back out of the wind towards the flat and then crossed the Fishing Creek Road towards Schmitguls side with a slight bend towards Herr's Point.
Sterns where going the whole time but no one opened up with anything strong.

We crossed the Furrniss Road and headed towards the big bank below Herr's house. Once on the bank Daniel picked up a strong line straight up the bank and the rest of the hounds harked on to him. Hounds flew across the top and into the woods towards the pavilion, hit a miss along the drive to the park, then carried it on passed the Township building, struggled hard with it across the open field at Adams and then the scent was pretty much blown away at that point.

MFH Jimmy took one last draw by the old spring and up along the fence line towards the pump, and we headed back to the meet for Christmas cookies, cakes, brownies, cheese and crackers, Dottie's soup and hot coffee and tea. It was a great way to finish up with everyone!

We will be hunting Christmas Day at Red Pump!
10:00am

Day 54 of the Hunting Season - December 22nd, 2010

Day 54 of the Hunting Season - December 22nd, 2010

Meet: Herr's Stone Lane

Temps: in the high 20's

Couples: 19 Couples *Puppies Kay, Kiki, Kent, Keno, & Kirkwood

Staff:
Huntsman- James Paxson MFH, Whippers-in- Priscilla Godsoe, Dot Cochran, Hoppy Stearns, Field Masters- Duncan Patterson MFH, Gary Kennedy, Hound Trucks - Karen Kennedy, and Leo & Flora Erb

Start: 10:00am
End: 12:15pm

It was a good day for hounds working together, but not so much for long runs. Scent seemed a bit spotty. We started out through Piersons Woods, wrapped around Eds, then on through the woods on the meet side of the pond. They took a stronger line through the Stump woods and on towards the old barn foundation and the park, and kept it going towards the junk yard and the ravine near the blue building.

Below the brick house, MFH Jimmy took the hounds towards the Church and in the direction of the bus and the radio tower. Hounds kept trying to take the line but it was just a tough day. From the radio tower we went on to the monument and along the stream along McPherson Lake towards Jim's Clear Woods, and then headed back to the meet!

We will hope for a good day on Christmas Eve!
December 24th at Ankrum's Dog Box at 10:00am

Day 53 of the Hunting Season - December 20th, 2010

Day 53 of the Hunting Season - December 20th, 2010

Meet: Funnel Lake

Temps: in the mid 20's

Couples: 19 Couples *Puppies Kay, Kia, & Kiki

Staff:
Huntsman- James Paxson MFH, Whippers-in- Fred VonC MFH, Priscilla Godsoe,Dot Cochran, Hoppy Stearns,Field Masters- Gary Kennedy, Hound Trucks - Karen Kennedy, and Leo & Flora Erb

Start: 10:00am
End: 12:15pm

So, I was told yesterday, 'You know every time I ask how the hunt goes with you guys at River Hills, I hear - O great, we had a really good day - so I figured I should come see for myself'.... 'You had another good day! Hounds sounded great'

I will leave this anonymous.... but I'm not lying when I say we had another good day.

We took Kia out for her first time today. I'm pretty sure she will be sleeping well tonight since the pack kept her running up and down the 'river hills'. We started with our first good run from the stone pile, back towards the amphitheater and the Bridle Path Rd. We thought they were going to cross Pumping Station Road but the fox crossed the small part of the river on Shadles side staying low along the river. The hounds ran towards the horse shoe and from the bottom ran straight up to the rocky bank by the horse pasture, and here the hounds put the first fox to ground.

MFH Jimmy took the hounds upstream again towards the horse shoe when the hounds picked up another line taking them on a high route back towards the stone pile on Sam's side, dropped down towards the horse shoe again. We thought they may have hit a miss, but it looked like Daniel found the line again on the machine shed side of the horse shoe. All the hounds harked on when Daniel opened up and the Issac helped bring it up the steep part of the bank. They were all on as the came to the top of the horse shoe and headed behind Shadles in the direction of the bridge on Pumping Station closest to the meet.

The hounds took the line to the river when we pulled them up before crossing towards Black Rock. This time of year during the Holidays we steer clear of Black Rock and always try to steer clear of 472, that is unless we happen to hunt under the bridge after deer season.

All in all, good day. Hounds stayed together nicely. Couldn't ask for anything better.

PS. Using the excuse that you didn't have clean brick britches doesn't work. Tan Tailored Sportsman, as clean as they may be, are not appropriate River Hills staff pants... ooops! Better off to err on the side of dirty - haha

Day 52 of the Hunting Season - December 18th, 2010

Day 52 of the Hunting Season - December 18th, 2010

Meet: Down Patrick

Temps: in the mid 20's

Couples: 18 1/2 Couples *Puppies Kalev, Kirkwood, & Kiki

Staff:
Huntsman- James Paxson MFH, Whippers-in- Priscilla Godsoe, Hoppy Stearns,Field Masters- Duncan Patterson MFH, Gary Kennedy, Hound Trucks - Karen Kennedy

Start: 10:00am
End: 1:15pm




Started off across the corn fields towards Dougs for a change of pace. Hound hit a line early near the woods on the Jump Field side of Dougs and ran into the woods towards the Fishing Creek. Hounds took the line toward the stream from Gibsons and Ankrums, and took it up near the Chicken Feathers. It looked like they were going to take it toward the Pipeline but they doubled back and took it towards the Bone Woods.
In the Bone Woods the put the fox to ground in the heavy briers.

From the Bone Woods MFH Jimmy took the hounds across the wheat fields towards the Old House and around towards Adams and the Township Building. As MFH Jimmy took the hounds from the Old house towards the Township Building, the hounds were touching on scent but didn't get it strong enough to really run it until they got by the Pavilion.



From the Pavilion the hounds took the line along the stream by the Mule Field, then high up towards the briers near Herrs House. They ran really strong along the bank towards Herrs Farm Buildings and the bend on Furrniss Road (for anyone in question of the spelling of Furrniss and Furnace... I know the difference, thats just the way they spell it in these parts -haha) . Hounds took the line across the road and towards the Old House and bent around by the Old Spring House and high on the Palisades. We expected to see a fox jump out across the open fields but instead the fox crossed the Fishing Creek Road and went up towards Herr's Point.



With all the hounds on they went high on Schmitguls Side but bent back towards Herr's Point and the horse pasture that's along the Furrniss Road. Hounds crossed Furrniss and ran up towards the tree farm, sort of in the direction of Harmony Ridge Road. They went pretty fast out across the fields with all the planted trees then dropped towards the small horse field and the Gazebo by the Fishing Creek Hollow Road and the Tree Farm Meet.

Hounds went towards the Duck Pond and then up the bank towards Herr's House and put the fox to ground. We picked up the hounds at this point and hack back to the meet from the Furrniss Road side. It was a nice day of hunting for foxes with the River Hills Foxhounds!



Its a mystery to me to think what we would be doing without them?

Day 51 of the Hunting Season - December 17th, 2010

Day 51 of the Hunting Season - December 17th, 2010

Meet: Wiles

Temps: in the mid 20's

Couples: 17 1/2 Couples *Puppies Keno, Kirkwood, & Kiki

Staff:
Huntsman- MFH James Paxson, Staff - MFH Fred VonC, Priscilla Godsoe, Hoppy Stearns, Hound Trucks - Gary Kennedy

Start: 10:00am
End: 12:15pm



What wonderful foxes today! Hounds kept touching on the line as soon as we let out by the meet. You could see the tracts in the snow as the hounds inched up closer and closer to our little fuzzy friend.

Hounds got a pretty good line on the other side of the Ram and from there they pushed out two foxes that ran towards Freemont. The third fox ran back towards the ram, through the woods and then towards the Log House. Hounds stayed together really well and didnt get split as the fox took them through all the heavy briers and fallen logs. Even the puppies had their noses down and looking like they were hunting!

The fox was quiet wonderful to stay a foot for so long, and wrapped around and around and around again until he went back towards the meet and crossed the Pusseyville Road where we had to pull the hounds up.



It was a much nicer day with out all the wind that we had Wednesday!

Looking forward to tomorrow at Down Patrick! 10:00am start!! See ya then!!!

Day 50 of Hunting - Dec 15th 2010

Day 50 of the Hunting Season - December 15th, 2010

Meet: Funnel Lake

Temps: in the 20's

Couples: 18 1/2 Couples *Puppies Kane and Kiki

Staff:
Huntsman- MFH James Paxson, Staff - Priscilla Godsoe, Hoppy Stearns, Hound Trucks - Karen Kennedy

Start: 10:00am
End: 12:00pm



Okay, so I have thawed out and I can type again! HA-HA. It wasn't THAT bad.. I guess. The hounds did a great job despite the wind and the scent blowing around in the top fields along the 'river hills'.

MFH Jimmy took the hounds across the top field towards the Stone Pile and the hounds picked up a line that they managed to work for about an hour as they went back and forth through the woods. Hounds made several big loops from the Stone Pile, to the Log House, then to Shadles side, and back to the bank (TWICE) to put the foxes to ground.

From the Amish side we crossed the road and picked up another fox and the hounds were smok'n towards Pumping Station Road. They worked the bank really well out of the wind, and took the line up the gravel road towards the Power Lines. Personally speaking.. I was cold at this point. MFH Jimmy was not. But thankfully he had a little pity on us girls and decided to call it a day when the hounds hit a miss.

Nice day back in the saddle and out chasing foxes :-)

Day 49 of the Hunting Season - November 27th, 2010

Day 49 of the Hunting Season - November 27th, 2010

Meet: Red Pump

Temps: in the low 40's

Couples: 32 Puppies *Kirkwood and Kiki

Staff:
Huntsman- MFH James Paxson, Staff - Priscilla Godsoe, Hoppy Stearns, Dott Cochran, Field Master - MFH Duncan Patterson, Gary Kennedy, Hound Trucks - Karen Kennedy

Start: 10:00am
End: 1:30pm

Well, it was a bit of a colder start today, the wind seemed to get the best of me by the end of the hunt. I don't think I wore enough layers!



We started off towards the Bamboo Forrest, the hounds didn't go very low towards Hog's Run, instead they bent up towards Hotel California and ran 'top side' along the meet side of Hog's Run. It seemed as if the hounds would take the line towards the cornfield but instead they dropped right down the bank by the coop and headed towards the Junk Yard, wrapped around towards the river and then back towards Hog's Run. Hounds hit a miss across the stream and we couldn't find where the fox went from there. I wouldn't be surprised with as hard as the hounds where pushing the fox that he may have gone to ground, and maybe we just didn't see the hole? Who knows.

So, from the Hog's Run side the hounds picked up a fox from the meet side of Red Pump, crossed the road towards the Woods With The Two Coops, and then Dott saw the fox (Tally -ho) heading towards the woods along the river in the direction of the amphitheater. Hounds were cruising at this point into the woods, ran above the amphitheater and were heading STRAIGHT for the Point! Ahhhh!

With deer season coming on we try not to cross over towards the Mouse House, so, we had to pull the hounds up. Rather sad because they were just awesome sounding. Iceman, Issac, Drummer, Izzy, Diana, Dawn, and Deacon were all the front runners. It was hard to tell who was exactly on front because from the time I saw them pick the line up, I saw each one of the hounds on front of the line at some point through the woods and then on the way to the point. For me it is really exciting to see the 'I' hounds; who are a little over a year old and I had worked with and played with from the time they were born, go on to hunt and do such a good job. They obviously were bred to be fox hounds.

After the hounds were pulled up we took them towards the Mouse House but on the meet side along the river. Hounds picked up the River Fox, but we didn't see him, and he didn't stay up very long.. fox took us towards Holy View and then went to ground. We worked our way back to the meet and then called it a day!

Nice way to end before the two week break for the Deer Hunting Season, and certainly no better group of people to spend a Saturday afternoon with!

See you in two weeks!

Huntsman For The Day & Children's Hunt - Day 48 of the hunting season.

Day 48 of the Hunting Season - November 26th, 2010

Meet: Down Patrick

Temps: in the 40's

Couples: 9 1/2 (Bitch Pack)

Staff:



HUNTSMAN

-Savannah Hatfield (Jim Paxson)



WHIPPERS-IN



-John Brophy (Dr. Carl Mease)



-Ella Brophy (Alyse Kennedy)



-Maseer Bennett(Priscilla Godsoe)



-Carly Steel(Hoppy Stearns)

-Liam Hodgson (Fred Von C)

-Dott Cochran (already a big kid)

FIELD MASTERS

-Katie Hall (Duncan Patterson)

-Amy Hall (Gary Kennedy)



KENNELMAN



-Ella Brophy

Hound Truck

-Connor & Arilyn Kennedy (Karen Kennedy)

*Special thank you to Trina Hatfield for explaining the different jobs of the staff, and keeping all the kids safe, and happy while learning about fox hunting.

Start: 10:00am
End: 1:30pm



At our 2010 River Hills Hunt ball Savannah Hatfield's mom and dad bought for her the 'Huntsman For The Day' package which included, her name as the fifth Huntsman which was engraved on the hunting horn, and she got the privilege to hunt the River Hills Foxhounds.



On top of our 'Huntsman For The Day', we opened the day to a 'Children's Hunt' including kids on lead lines, to kids who where whipping-in, and leading our first and second field. It was such a great way to incorporate our love of foxhunting with teaching the kids the jobs involved with hunting the hounds, creating safe hunting for those who follow along, and explaining how hounds work.



Despite any nerves 12 year old Savannah may have had going into this big day, she was able to pull together a terrific hunt, and managed to keep a smile from beginning to end.

Savannah who is in the 7th grade, also enjoys playing softball, snowboarding, tennis, and is hoping to do track and field in spring if she can work around softball! She also tells us that horses have been in her life forever but have only been SERIOUSLY riding for about three years.

Savannah's huntsman's horse was Grane and she remarked that, 'She (Grane) handled the job wonderfully' and with a smile added that, 'Grane could not have been better'.

Although Savannah said that she herself was very nervous, she added that, 'It was also very fun, difficult and easy all at the same time because you try not to mess up but... you can not be perfect!'

Even though she says she did not see the fox, she leaves us with these words of wisdom in regards to anyone thinking about trying to be Huntsman For The Day, 'It was a very awesome experience, but do not Skye yourself out and just be yourself like it is just another hunt, but only a bit different, ha ha'

With Savannah on the horn we were able to run three foxes and put two to ground. The hounds listened and were excited to work for her, especially after she was able to take the hounds to their first fox.



Words From The Field Masters:

Katie Hall - (First Field)
'Duncan told me that the field masters job is to ensure the safety of the followers and to also keep an organized hunt, while keeping it totally fun and makes jokes on the way. We had a couple of spills today but we learn from our mistakes. Yee ha!'

Amy Hall - (Second Field)
'Gary was very informative. Trina was a very good Sergeant to the new people. We galloped a lot with some fall offs, but all on accident. Everyone had a good time. Including the lead liners.'
__________________________________________________________

Words From The Whippers-In:

Liam Hodgson - (Fred Von C)
'I rode Mystic. Fred the whip had me tag along and in the beginning there wasn't really much action. In the middle the hounds got on a fox and I got to gallop for what was a long time. Saw a few deer. Someone said the fox was near us, so we stopped to see it. We didn't because it ran past right behind us! I had a great time, and the weather was nice.'

Maseer Bennett - (Priscilla Godsoe)
'I took a major spill but I had a great time. Thank you to Jimmy Paxson and Lezlie Hiner.' -Work To Ride Program Mount: Cholo

John Brophy - (Dr. Carl Mease)
'Had a good hunt today. I had an awesome time whipping-in and hope to try it again. Thank for having me. Tally ho!'

Ella Brophy - (Alyse Kennedy)
'Saw a fox - Tally Ho!! Horse fell down.'
_____________________________________________________________

Words From The Kennelman:

Ella Brophy
'I painted hooves of horses, tacked up, gave hounds water, put horses and pony in trailer, hooked up hounds trailer. Loaded 19 hounds, also called 9 1/2 couple'

_____________________________________________________________

We had a field of over 30 riders, but somehow we missed getting everyone's comments about the hunt, or some where a little too shy, but here are a few,

Words From The Field:

Connor and Arilyn Kennedy
'First Hunt! Rode Spice.'




Sheiree Harris - Work To Ride Mount- Jennie
'I had a great time. Thank you Jimmy Paxson.'

Luca Micolucci
'Got to ride my father's best polo pony Macarena.'



Shariah Harris - Work To Ride Mount- Strawberry
'I had a great time, thank you Jimmy Paxson.'

Marc Harris - Work To Ride Mount- TJ
'Had a grerat time. Thank you.'
_______________________________________________________

And this last video might just sum up a great day!

Thanksgiving Biscuits

Well.. it was too rainy and wet, along with a mixture of some sleet, so, our Thanksgiving Hunt was canceled. I suppose.. all for the best.



With my mom - Laura, and two sisters - Lynden and Maggie, here with me for the week from New Hampshire, we decided to go out to the kennels and help 'bed up' the hound beds and bunks, help wash the kennels and give out some Thanksgiving biscuits.

We had fun bedding up the hound beds. They roll around, and get covered in the grass hay, and then build little nests. The older hounds make nests and claim them before someone else comes and takes their spot. A wise hound once said, 'A warm dry bed is worth more than a dry biscuit'.

I really enjoyed sharing the hound time with my sisters and telling them the hounds names, and different things about each one. Drumore and Iceman took to Maggie, and Hurry and Ermine took to Lynden. My mom enjoyed seeing the 'H' hounds - she helped to start them as little tiny puppies.



Now that the hounds are tucked away in their new fresh beds, I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving! Looking forward to tomorrow..

Don't Forget:

Friday - Huntsman for the day & Children's Hunt - Down Patrick Meet - 10:00am

Saturday - Red Pump - 10:00am *last meet before our two week break for the rifle deer hunting season.

Day 47 of the Hunting Season - November 24th, 2010

Day 47 of the Hunting Season - November 24th, 2010

Meet: Herr's Stone Lane

Temps: in the 40's

Couples: 17 1/2 Couples Puppies *Kirkwood and Kiki

Staff:
MFH- James Paxson, Staff - Priscilla Godsoe, Hoppy Stearns, Dott Cochran, Field Master - Duncan Patterson, Hound Trucks - Karen Kennedy

Start: 9:00am
End: 11:30am



We had a bit of a slow start. Hounds worked through the woods around Pierson's, Jim's Barn and the Stump Woods all before getting anything very strong. Heading into the Park from Jim's Clear Woods the hounds hit a line towards the Junk Yard.

Hoppy saw the fox heading down the trail from the Junk Yard towards the Swamp/Mud Hole. Hounds had a little trouble picking up the line in the open since it was rather windy.

I was standing near the Mystery Hole and could here them coming closer and closer. I didn't see the fox cross the path I was on but he must have, because out popped Dawn, Diana, Earl,Deacon, Drummer and the two puppies, all running the fox really strong to the trail then they hit a miss. Since I knew the fox hadn't past me I walked through the hounds and helped them on towards the little stream below the Mystery Hole in hopes they would pick the line back up.

Earl found it on McPherson Lake side of the little stream. I was very proud of Earl, and more excited to see all the hounds instantly 'hark' on to him. At this point I counted 12 couples as they headed along the little stream in the direction of Jim's Woods.

The hounds were cruising through the woods. Deacon was on front now. As they came up off the stream bead at Jim's Driveway the hit a miss out in the open where the scenting was harder in the wind. As they all worked together they were able to take the line across Jim's driveway, up past the white house and towards the power lines behind Ed's house.

I called the back hounds on and then galloped up the drive towards the cattle field and the power lines to find the hounds already across and heading into Pierson's Woods. Again they had a little trouble, they worked over a few logs and along the banks near the two ponds. At this point the field and MFH Jimmy had caught up.

I went out the top coop in the direction of the Church/Grave Yard. Hounds ran out into Pierson's Fallow Field and into the woods below the Church/Grave Yard, more in the direction of the Animal Kingdom. I was sitting in the Grave Yard (well, more on the path - not actually on top of anyone) and ever so quietly the little fox slipped out of the grassy overgrown area near the Graveyard and went right back towards the meet. Hounds were right behind him but he was able to get a good ways out in front of him because the hounds had a little trouble moving the line across the open field again.

Hounds took the line stronger in the Fallow Field, to the right, through a hole in the fence by the coop, and back across the cow pasture at the meet, towards the pine trees and then charging across to the Stump Woods where they put him to ground (see video of MFH Jimmy blowing the fox to ground)

Good days hunt!

Next Meet: Thanksgiving Hunt at Funnel Lake - 10:00am

**Don't forget**
Friday - HUNTSMAN FOR THE DAY AND CHILDREN'S HUNT @ Down Patrick - 10:00am
Saturday - Red Pump - 10:00am - this will be our last hunt before the two weeks we take off for the rifle season of deer hunting.

THE HUNTING GODS WERE WITH US - Day 46 of the Hunting Season - November 22nd, 2010

Day 46 of the Hunting Season - November 22nd, 2010

Meet: Ankrum's Dog Box

Temps: in the 40's

Couples: 21 1/2 Couples (JCP & LE Kennels) Puppies *Keno and Kiki

Staff:
MFH- James Paxson, Staff - Priscilla Godsoe, Fred Von C, Field Master - Gary Kennedy, Hound Trucks - Karen Kennedy, Leo and Flora Erb

Start: 9:00am
End: 10:30am

Twas a hunt of rather epic proportions and as our MFH Jim Paxson would add, "The hunting god's were with us".



I believe the weather had a big role in our day leaving the scent to lay fast and strong, and thus giving the hounds 'wings' as if the were flying across the fields and through the woods.

I rode a horse called Willie II (or as Fred calls him Willie Also), and I would say that through all of the hunting season to this point he has managed to be one of our fittest hunt horses at RHF. My reason for stating this, is that I hit the bottom of Willie II after our first - and only run of the day. I cannot recount any time when this has happened to me in all of my hunting seasons.

We started out by casting in towards the Old House and around the Palisades. Fred viewed the fox from the Stone Pile woods headed out across towards the Pipeline... (I do think it is safe to say this was Fred the Fox...but I could be wrong - it has happened once or twice), I do know this much, I got to the Fishing Creek Road, and didn't stop galloping until I got to the crossing where you can get up towards Gibson's and Ankrums little streams. I had to make a call, and as a whip you run this risk, be wrong and suffer the consequences - which are monumental, or be right and hope like heck all the hounds are there or acounted for before the Master gets there!

Hounds were coming off the meet side, heading straight down towards the little stream, and right straight back up the other side toward the cornfield at Doug's. I listened for a second to see if they were going to run high along the river, or was the fox going to head back towards the Bone Woods??? All I knew was that we had 21 1/2 couple of hounds running and I heard them and them I heard them leaving my direction the other way. Its hard to express the country we were hunting unless you've seen it or hunted it, but basically its a winding ravine and if the hounds get to one side of it you cannot hear them, and you can lose them, very fast!

So, I was given two options.. a: continue down the Fishing Creek Road in hopes the hounds didn't head out across Gibson's towards the park, or b: go up the path and just stay with the hounds and hope to god that we didn't go where ever we didn't plan on hunting that day (Deer hunting season is going to start next week - we were hoping to not go to the park, and not go across the Fishing Creek Rd... it is now safe to say, we did accomplish to not do one of those 'Do Nots' which was, we didn't go to the park... crossing the road - yes we did that!) To add to the decision process, I was the only one with the hounds, so, no one else was going to be catching up very fast either way.

I galloped up towards Dougs and I saw the hounds across the cornfield and heading towards Sinclair's, it wasn't until I got to the next cornfield behind Dougs that I saw the hounds had gone parallel of the Fern Glen Rd and and dropped down in the woods toward the Murder House. I knew what this meant... and I was pretty much panicked. Actually I was totally panicked. I was the only one with the hounds and I had managed to let the hound drop to the road and I couldn't get there fast enough to do anything. Its really hard to make the call on the radio and say, 'The hounds have crossed the road and are heading towards ... '

Oh... yes, for those who were out, this part, which is only now funny - In my little panic state I had managed to confuse my road names saying we were headed towards Scalpy Hollow Rd (total and complete opposite direction - Note to anyone every wanting follow in the joys of whipping-in, Whips are not allowed to be wrong.. not so much as once, ha ha). So, Scalpy Hollow was actually Harmony Ridge, either way, which ever road, I knew that as fast as I was going on my horse to catch up to the hounds, it was just that, I was only catching up, and not actually getting in a position to do anything. Not a good feeling.

The hounds had run from Gibson's, to the Murder House, up the Pine Tree Side of the Power Lines and thankfully took a bend towards the Loop and Montana Ridge. At this point I was on Harmony Ridge, I was not going to let a single four legged creature cross that road and head towards Benton Hollow and beyond. MFH Jimmy, Fred, Gary, and Al were along the Fishing Creek trying to listen through the echos and try to figure out where the hounds might go next.

I dropped in off of the Harmony Ridge Rd towards Herr's Point, I couldn't hear a thing... nodda.

MFH Jimmy was, to say in a way as to not over exaggerate, ready to sit down, put his head in his hands, and quite possibly need a glass of Jack Daniels in order to start to feel better because for a good 15+ minutes we had manged to completely lose all 21 1/2 hounds. With the Thanksgiving and Children's Hunt coming up, it was going to be rather embarrassing to have to announce that we were going to have to cancel, why.. because we lost all the River Hills Foxhounds. MFH Jimmy was starting to mumble on the radio, Gary, Fred and I started to realize we had better see or hear a hound quick or we might as well pitch tents because we were going to be pulling an all nighter finding hounds along the Fishing Creek. Also as a side note: I was suppose to leave that afternoon for New Hampshire, and I was also running thoughts through my head - how do i call my family and say I'm not coming because I lost all the hounds?

Fred thought he heard or saw hounds near the stone pile, and how he go up to the stone pile was beyond me, I was sitting on the Herr's Point Side listening when I saw Fred go cantering out across the field and found the lead hounds full speed ahead going into the Bone Woods, practically back at the meet. What joy. You know if you find lead hounds, the middle and back hounds will eventually meet up at that point as well.

If you could visualize the terrain and know that where I was and where Fred was, was a pretty big span of area. However, if you happened to be a bird you would have been fine, but in my case had to come down from the ridge I was on, cross the Fishing Creek, and go back up the other side. Putting two and two together I was making an assumption that the fox was going to head back towards the covert we originally pushed him out of, so I swung wide and came up by Adam's side and headed around the old house and back in towards Sam's and the Bone Woods (a part of my swinging wide was fear of running into MFH Jimmy and not having anything to be able to tell him that would have been comforting or assuring)

MFH Jimmy, Gary, and Al were at the Dog Box, and were able to get the hounds up to the horn. I was at the end of the Bone Woods and from my view it looked like a lot of hounds were coming to him. I rode around and to all of our amazement, astonishment, and disbelief, every single hound was there. The hounds were tickled with themselves, they had ran so fast and so strong, and they knew they had worked together as a pack. Personally, I found two things completely amazing a: Audry was with us and b: Keno and Kiki had kept up! I don't really know how that's possible... but they did and that's all that matters. I guess it really proves that the Pen Marydels have a lot of heart.

Sometimes people will say Pen Marydels aren't fast, now I have never been one to say this, but it has been said. But, let me tell you this Mr. Nay Sayer, when your riding a fit thoroughbred, your eyes are watering at a full gallop and you still cant keep up, then you my friend are riding to the wrong pack of Pen Marydel Foxhounds, because if your going to head out with us - hold on to your hat and get read to ride!




Next Meet: WEDNESDAY - Herr's Stone Lane - 9:00am

Day 45 of the Hunting Season - November 20th, 2010

Day 45 of the Hunting Season - November 20th, 2010

Meet: Red Pump

Temps: in the 50's

Couples: 19 Couples (JCP & LE Kennels) Puppies *Kirkwood and Kiki

Staff:
MFH- James Paxson, Staff - Priscilla Godsoe, Dr. Carl Mease, Field Master - Gary Kennedy, Hound Trucks - Karen Kennedy, Leo and Flora Erb

Start: 10:00am
End: 1:ishpm

Good day.

We started by going out of the meet towards the Bamboo Forrest where the hounds were picking up an old line here and there. MFH Jimmy let the hounds work through the leaves and over the logs for a while as the hounds took us along Hogs Rn and out towards the cornfield.

We definitely knew that if we got closer to the fox the hounds would definitely run!



And run they did... MFH Jimmy pressed on and took the hounds from the deer stand around the loop towards the Highland Cattle and not much to my surprise the fox bolted out of the briers from Holy View and went straight along the fence line in the direction of the Mouse House.

The fox went left handed at the end of the fence row, but dropped down toward the river and made a quick right and took the hounds toward the point at a pretty good clip. The fox ran the river bed and bank from the point around towards the Amphitheater and headed out the the Amphitheater woods (here is when Karen viewed him) straight towards the second deer stand where he went to ground in the ravine along the Lee's Bridge Rd.



MFH Jimmy blew the fox in. From here we decided that we would go back towards the Highland Cattle, and back along the river to see if the River fox was home... I think he had been around the night before, but not home at the time we were there. MFH Jimmy picked up the hounds and we went to the woods with the two coops since we hadn't hunted there yet, and the hound still were hit and miss on all the dead. fallen leaves, and we hunted our way back to the meet.



We covered just about all of Red Pump, and had a pretty good go of the regular foxes that play with our hounds.

Next Meet: MONDAY - Ankrum's Dog Box - 9:00am

Day 44 of the Hunting Season - November 19th, 2010

Day 44 of the Hunting Season - November 19th, 2010

Meet: Wiles

Temps: in the 40's

Couples: 12 Couples

Staff:
MFH- James Paxson, Staff - Priscilla Godsoe, Fred Von C, Field Master - Gary Kennedy, Hound Trucks - Karen Kennedy, Leo and Flora Erb

Start: 9:00am
End: 11:isham

It was good to get back at Wiles for the first time this season. To me, hunting at Wiles was like listening to an old song you loved on the radio. You remember the tune, and pretty much remember all the words and how everything usually plays out. The only 'set back' if you want to call it that right now, is that we know where the trails are to get around at Wiles, they just aren't as clear as they could be along the bottom section.. however.. its a perfect foxy dwelling.



We started off from the meet towards the woods to the right of the meet and the hounds dropped into the woods and over the creek towards the Produce Farm. Two foxes came out of the woods and we decided to run the fox that headed away from the road.

The fox ran across the cornfield back to the area around meet and then went toward the wheat field.. from here we went toward the Ram and the hounds worked a line slowly along the bottom until the hounds must have slipped up closer to the fox because the hounds let loose!

They ran from the Ram towards the Saw Mill and the Chicken Farm. MFH Jimmy, Fred, Gary, and Al all viewed the fox at this point. The fox ran back into the big brier patch toward the bank at Wiles and across the pipe at School House Rd, and made this loop bigger, and smaller, and then bigger again. Hounds ran hard for a good hour and a half until we decided as the hit a miss, we should probably head in and save them for hunting tomorrow at Red Pump.

It was a day full of great hound work, and a most enjoyable fox!



We will meet Saturday at RED PUMP at 10:00am
http://www.rhfpa.com

Trail Clearing-Making at RED PUMP November 17th, 2010

The Red Pump Project

Start: 9:00am
End: 2:30pm

Helpers: Jim Herr, Jimmy Paxson, Gary Kennedy, Priscilla Godsoe

Job: Clear new trails to the Bamboo Forrest, across to the pond, and down to and across Hog's Run, and made a path from the old barn foundation to the cornfield...



New trail names:

Louis Lane - Start at the corn field to the Bamboo Forrest

Pond View - Off of Louis Lane to the left and over looks the pond

We also cleared the old, over grown trail that runs from the Bamboo Forrest to the crossing below the pond.



Mission Accomplished!

Day 43 of the Hunting Season - November 15th, 2010

Day 43 of the Hunting Season - November 15th, 2010

Meet: Funnel Lake

Temps: in the 50's

Couples: 22 1/2 Couples *including 5, eight month old puppies: Kay, Kiki, Kent, Kane, and Kirkwood

Staff:
MFH- James Paxson, Staff - Priscilla Godsoe, Hoppy Stearns, Fred Von C, Dott Cochran, Field Master - Gary Kennedy, Hound Trucks - Karen Kennedy, Leo and Flora Erb

Start: 9:00am
End: 11:isham



It was a pretty foggy, overcast day and I thought the scenting would be a little bit better, actually I was hoping for a flat out crazy day, ha ha, that didn't happen for me... I was on the slow side of the hunt. I did get to hear the hounds running but there wasn't much action on my side. I guess it was good to teach my horse (JB - my show pony)what foxhunting is all about.. patience, standing still, and listening to the hounds!

To take a few lines from a book I am re-reading " Foxhunting is the grand opera of hunting. Mother Nature is the stage manager; baying hounds and hunting horns are the orchestra; pack and prey are the actors. Huntsman and horses - in front-row seats - make up the audience... Every performance is unique, no show is ever repeated." - Whipper-In by Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Foster Ex-MFH

Hounds ran well, sounded great, and foxes were viewed by Hoppy and Fred on the Amish Sides.

Best thing I know is to listen to the video... that will tell a better story