Fox hunting is a sport in which a pack of specially trained hounds track a wild fox in the countryside by using their powers of smell. The most common breeds of dog used in the hunt are the English foxhound, the American foxhound, and the harrier. Historically, fox hunting has been most popular in the United Kingdom, but laws restricting the sport were passed in 2004. However, regular fox hunts have also taken place in many other countries, including Australia, Canada, France, India, Ireland, Italy, Russia, and the United States. 
A traditional fox hunt is controlled by one or more supervisors called masters. A huntsman is responsible for directing the pack during the hunt. The huntsman is typically aided by two or three assistants called whippers-in. Members of the hunting party ride horses and wear traditional hunting costumes that include scarlet coats, white neckties called cravats, and black velvet caps. The horses usually are specially trained field hunters.
The hunt begins with a meet where the hunters and hounds gather. The master releases the hounds, who seek the fox. The discovery of the fox is signaled by the barking of the hounds, the sounding of a hunting horn, and a shout of “Tally ho!” The hounds and riders hunt the fox through open countryside, which may include such obstacles as fences, ditches, and streams. The hunt ends when the fox escapes the hounds, is killed, or goes to ground (hides in a hole).
In the United Kingdom, where foxes are generally considered pests, the goal of the hunt is usually to kill the fox. If the fox is killed, the master awards the animal’s brush (tail), mask (head), and pads (feet) to members of the party the master feels contributed most to the success of the hunt. The fox’s body is given to the dogs. In the United States, where foxes are not as numerous, the chief purpose of the hunt is the chase. The fox is normally released after being cornered or going to ground.
Fox hunting has aroused much controversy, especially among animal rights activists who consider the sport cruel to the fox. Supporters of fox hunting claim that the hunt is a legitimate sport and helps control the fox population, thus helping farmers protect their livestock. Supporters of fox hunting also say that the hunt is actually more humane than other methods of killing foxes, such as trapping or poisoning. In the United Kingdom, supporters also argue that fox hunting represents a significant tradition in rural areas.
Fox hunting originated in ancient times in Assyria, Egypt, and Persia. However, the modern form of the sport developed in England in the middle 1700’s with the red fox as the quarry. In the United States, the gray fox, the coyote, and the lynx are the quarry in different parts of the country.
In 2002, the Scottish Parliament passed a law restricting hunting with dogs in Scotland. The law contained many exemptions, but it did ban some traditional forms of fox hunting. The Parliament of the United Kingdom passed similar restrictions for England and Wales in 2004. The law went into effect in 2005. Supporters of fox hunting have campaigned vigorously against the laws, and the sport continues in the United Kingdom.
See also American foxhound ; English foxhound .
