ABOUT THE HUNT

 

The Grand Canyon Hounds was organized in 2004 by avid riders and outdoorsmen. The hunt is a member of the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America and adheres to their principles that emphasize the chase and the thrill and beauty of working hounds. Our members are both young and old, both novice and advanced riders, and both horsemen and hunters. Our bond is a love of the outdoors and the camaraderie of friends out on an adventure.

 

While our kennels are located near Flagstaff, Arizona, we hunt mostly at lower elevations of 5000 to 6500 feet. We hunt primarily across three areas that offer generally good footing for our horses and the kind of rolling and open country that allows good viewing and generally good riding. The first comprises five venues across about 20 by 25 miles of grasslands and arroyos south of the Grand Canyon. The second comprises four venues across about 7 by 12 miles of grassland and pinyon and juniper forest north of the San Francisco volcanic field. The volcanic cinder cones afford excellent viewing. These venues are all located on land and leases owned by Babbitt Ranches. The third is a venue comprising about 8 by 8 miles in the valley of the Little Colorado River near Meteor Crater. All hunt country is unpopulated and sparsely fenced with few dirt roads or tracks.

 

The Grand Canyon Hounds is organized as a traditional hunt. Accordingly, Paul Delaney holds the position of Master of Foxhounds. Peter Wilson is our Huntsman and he is assisted both at our kennels and while hunting by James Boyle. Peter and Jimmy are accomplished professionals. Accordingly, our pack of hounds is well regarded for their high level of training and their excellent disposition.

 

Quarry

Unlike foxes, coyotes do not scurry about or often “go to ground.” They tend to run long distances and chases of five or more miles are not uncommon. We may pursue several coyotes over the course of a day. In most cases a healthy coyote can outsmart, outrun, or outdistance a pack of hounds.

 

Members

Grand Canyon Hounds members share a love of horsemanship and the outdoors. We are a fun and friendly group who get joy out of a little speed and adrenaline, breathtaking scenery, and those sunny and crisp northern Arizona winter mornings. While most members initially come out because they love to ride in new and exciting places, they quickly become fascinated by the hounds and their efforts to find a scent and then to pursue to the quarry.

 

Hunt Style

Because of the vastness of our terrain (up to 70,000 acres without a fence), jumping is not required and viewing is good even from a distance. To accommodate different levels of experience and ability, members of Grand Canyon Hounds may split into several groups ("fields"). In this manner we accommodate riders wanting to move out at a slower pace.

 

Dress

To honor of the history of foxhunting, most of us wear traditional hunt attire on Saturdays. On Wednesdays the dress is informal and all of us wear the clothes we feel most likely to be comfortable. Safety helmets or hunt caps are always recommended.

 

Tack

Most of our members ride in English tack, some in endurance-style saddles, and others in Western gear. As there are no jumps that must be negotiated, any tack is acceptable, so long as it is remains comfortable after several hours in the saddle.

 

Hunting Info

http://www.mfha.com/abfo.aspx