Video

On Saturday, December 28, 2024, a small but faithful group gathered for the final hunt of the year, braving weather reminiscent of merry old England or Ireland. Despite the damp conditions, 11 committed riders — Julie, Jake, Lindsay, Anne, Christine, Ida, Sharon, John, Addie, Jenn, and Emily—and 4 brave road whips — VJ, Karen, Brenda, and Kyle — bundled up to follow eight couples of hounds across the Fox Run fixture.

Dr. Julie Bullock, DVM, began by roading hounds from the parking area before casting them into the small cow pasture near the loafing shed. Unlike previous hunts at this fixture, the hounds did not pick up a trail in this area. Undeterred, the group continued along the riverbank toward the Huffman house. At the ravine behind the Guinea Barn, Julie caught a fleeting glimpse of grey — possibly a fox or a coyote — but the wet weather, while excellent for scenting, hindered visibility. Soon after, the hounds erupted into full cry, tearing toward the river with Julie and Jake in determined pursuit. 

After some diligent work in the wooded area by the river, the hounds retraced their steps back to the ravine. Fueled by determination, they refused to be stopped by the fence, jumping through, crawling underneath, and circling around to the gate. At this point, the pack came to a ‘disagreement’, with some hounds running heel and others going back to the river. Whippers-in Jake and Karen intercepted the errant hounds in the cornfield beside the Guinea Barn, redirecting them toward Julie and keeping the hunt on course. 

Hounds picked up the line once more on their second pass through the wooded riverside, skillfully navigating the terrain. As in previous hunts, they carried the track with determination and energy all the way to Alpine Goat Brewery. Kennelman VJ, along with Whippers-In Lindsay, Jake, and Kyle, gathered the hounds on Chapel Hill Lane and efficiently loaded them back into the truck, bringing the eventful hunt to a close. – Christine Brady, Whipper In