Ringing the changes

THERE are many dates in a hunting year that are hugely significant to those involved, most of them fairly flexible, like the opening meet or the puppy show to name but two examples.

The one fixed day that holds significance to every hunt official, the end of one season and beginning of the next, a time for change and renewal, is 1 May. Masters and staff start a new hunt year on this day. Some careers come to an end and others start, optimistic and full of hope about their future in the new and ever-evolving world of hunting.

For many hunts, spring hunting used to continue until May, and some masters would try to catch a May fox every year. The month of May would herald hunter sales, when retiring masters often sold their entire string of horses, and the hound sales at which new masters could replenish their kennel with fresh blood.

MIDDLETON HUNTSMAN RALPH RICHARDSON