The Masters of Bloodhounds Association (MBHA) has been formed to provide the only organization, open to all packs of bloodhounds, that will deal exclusively with matters relating to "hunting the clean boot" with a pack of bloodhounds. The MBHA will promote and regulate good practice of the sport and provide a Stud Book to help with the development of the pack hunting bloodhound. For more information on why this association has been formed, please follow this link.
This sport involves packs of around 8 to 15 couples of "hunting" bloodhounds being hunted from horseback to pursue the clean and unadulterated scent of human runners. Unlike hounds following a laid trail, the natural scent of a human being is different from person to person and is easily affected by weather conditions and foil. Whilst the route the quarry will take is always agreed with the landowner/farmer in advance, there is frequently enough latitude within the route for an experienced quarry to carry out a variety of manoeuvres to try and outwit his pursuers. Thus the pace, and even the successful conclusion of a hunt, will depend on the skill of the huntsman and his hounds in coping with a variety of complications that may or may not appear while riding over various terrain and obstacles. Because the route is planned, some hunting days will be suitable for small competent children and older riders of modest abilities, others will be for the more ambitious rider and it is always best to check with a hunt that the day you want to attend will be what you are looking for.
Hunting the clean boot with bloodhounds, should not be confused with "drag" or "trail" hunting. Drag and trail hunting, by foxhounds or bloodhounds, involve the use of artificial scents being laid for the hounds to follow. These scents may or may not be animal based. The use of laid scent of any type is not permitted within the MBHA.
The sport is reliant on the goodwill and cooperation of landowners and farmers and Masters of Bloodhounds will always defer to their wishes when arranging a days hunting. For that reason it is essential that hunts follow a strict code of conduct and that the Field and foot followers follow instructions from the Masters of their hunt. It is an enormous testimony to the generosity of the UKs landowners and farmers that so many are willing to share their property with other people in this way.
Most people will start hunting with a pack of bloodhounds because they want an enjoyable and sometimes challenging ride across country; many then develop an interest in the way the hounds work and the magical bond between them and their huntsmen. The MBHA hopes that many more people will learn the magic of hunting, enjoy the opportunity to interact with the countryside and appreciate those who care for our rural landscape.
For those wanting to find out more about the "etiquette" and or "terms and signals" used in the hunting field, you are recommended to click on the underline links (courtesy of The South Downs Bloodhounds). If you are a first timer it will help you feel more comfortable out hunting if you know a little of what to expect before you go out. We also recommend you visit the website of the hunt you plan to visit as they too also have useful information about local arrangements.
MBHA
Hunting the Clean Boot - A Sport For All Ages
