Hare Hunting

The above photo was taken in Ballymadun on the 24th of November 2009 at a fingal harriers hare hunt, by a hunt supporting wedding photographer named David Ryan—make sure to boycott him.

Hare hunting with hounds, in theory, is very similar to fox hunting with hounds, with some differences. Hare hunting with beagles/harriers requires a license issued from the NPWS. Fox hunting, on the contrary, requires no license as foxes have no protection under the law. It is illegal to hunt or course hares without a license, and some prosecutions have been successful over the years.

Generally, hare hunters will not be a “mounted” hunt; they tend to hunt on foot. In Ireland, most hare hunts will use beagles rather than the traditional harriers whom all mainly hunt foxes now. These hunts will also hunt rabbits; however, hares are a much easier target. Hares live above ground, unlike foxes/rabbits who burrow underneath, making them an easy target for dogs.

A hare hunt starts with the dogs and huntsman on foot walking onto land in search of nonhumans mammals. They will hunt across a varied landscape where hares may be living. When hounds are on the scent of a hare, the huntsman will encourage them with voice and horn.

A hare will react to being chased in much the same way as a fox, using flocks of sheep, herds of cows, manure, etc. to spoil the scent. Other means of avoiding being caught are – jinking (a sharp right-angled leap to the side) which may be followed by “clapping” (a quick flattening of the body to the ground), doubling back on their tracks and then jinking. Foxes and deers may also aid hares by interrupting their scent - which can be tempting for the hounds. When the pack loses the scent, the huntsman will cast the hounds again, and both whippers-in and foot followers will be looking for the hare to break. To indicate the hunted hare, they will usually remain silent, but raise their hat or arm and point in the direction taken by the hare using the other arm. If the hounds can’t find the scent, the huntsman may take them over to the signaller.

An average hare weighs 3.6kg/8lbs, and they are, therefore, faster than a beagle, harrier or a basset hound, but the superior stamina of the hounds will, eventually, surpass the hare. Despite this, hunts and hares may experience runs of 7km and over. A single hare could be running for twenty minutes long, or two hours and more before their murder. Because of the speed of the pack, they may lose the huntsman and followers and disappear from view and the hunt may not find them for an hour or more. They may kill a hare or another nonhuman mammal out of sight – the corpse never being found. It is also known for hounds to “chop” the hare (killing the hare straight away without a chase).

We acquired some of this information from our comrades Hunt Saboteurs UK who have over 50 years experience sabbing hare hunts: https://www.huntsabs.org.uk/harehunting/

Hare hunting season in Ireland: 26th September - 28th February (any interference outside this is a wildlife crime)