Hunting Horn and Voice Calls

Hunting Horn Calls

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The function of the horn

The use of a horn by the huntsman is integral to fox hunting and other hunting activities where hounds hunt “their quarry” by scent. It is employed as a signal from the huntsman to his hounds or followers to indicate what is required or to denote what is happening.

Normally only the huntsman uses a horn during the course of a hunt. However, his assistants, known as “whippers-in”, may carry a horn and use it on rare occasions when they need to communicate with hounds in an emergency.

The huntsman will put more or less excitement into his horn calls according to the tempo of the chase. Short notes, often repeated in quick succession, are used when there is a need to hurry the hounds. Longer, slower notes are for pauses; for instance, when a fox has run into an underground sanctuary, when hounds have failed to find a fox or at the end of the hunting day.

Hunting Voice Calls 

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In combination with the horn, the huntsman’s voice connects him with the hounds, his staff and all the people out on a hunting day following on horses, on foot or in vehicles.

The volume and tone of human voices vary according to styles of speaking, accent and also depending on how fresh or fatigued an individual is. The same is true for huntsmen who also employ differing styles. However, basic principles do exist.