Florida hunts....

[FlightCheck]

I've never been hunting. I've read about it, dreamed about it, and this year I AM DETERMINED to at least go see one.

Could someone help me with contact info on Florida hunts, specifically Central/North Florida? I live in Volusia county.

I've heard that some hunts have "hilltoppers in cars"....is this true?

Thank you all!

[FlightCheck]

I've never been hunting. I've read about it, dreamed about it, and this year I AM DETERMINED to at least go see one.

Could someone help me with contact info on Florida hunts, specifically Central/North Florida? I live in Volusia county.

I've heard that some hunts have "hilltoppers in cars"....is this true?

Thank you all!

[the wiz]

Hi Flightcheck

I recommend Misty Morning Hounds.We are a recognized drag hunt. Members are a fun bunch!!
Cubbing starts this Saturday - will be soggy, no doubt.
Look at the website "mistymorninghounds".
If you like, you can contact me privately.
I'm one of the fieldmasters.

[FlightCheck]

Thank you so much!

Email sent to the address on the website...

[Jaegermonster]

I second what wiz said. Our hunt is the bomb!...great people beautiful territory...I'm one of the field secretaries let me know if you need a hunt packet or if I can help you in any way......just be careful this hunting thing is very addicting!

[Foxhunt4me]

Check out the hunt roster in the current issue of COTH - you will find listings for all the Florida hunts and the contact info.


Some hunts also allow foot followers - not sure about down there.

[Miss Maddie]

Flightcheck, I'm probably going to join Misty Morning when I move to Jax next month. Thanks, Jaegermonster, for all your help!

[Cody]

FC, I know I just spoke to you a few minutes ago, but yep Misty Morning Hounds is the best. I've gone to several of the Pony Club hunts that they have had in December up at Snooty Fox Farm in Alachua and even though my pony is awful I still have a good time. I would love to go again and ride in the 2nd or 3rd flight. Especially when ya'll come over to Seville way.

[Jaegermonster]

Ok everybody today was our first day Cubbing and it was the bomb!.....
I had so much fun, it was so awesome! You guys load up and come on out it is the best thing in the world! If the rest of the year only gets better this will be the best season ever!
(ok I'm done jumping up and down and pumping my fists now)
Maddie, can't wait for you to come out! Bosco is calling your name can you hear him?

[Foxhunt4me]

Did you Florida folks see the topic on Horse care where someone is looking to move out of Florida and move to Maryland or Virginia?



To quote:

"Plus, fox hunting in FL means picking up the scent of a bobcat or wild pig and running around through swamps "

[Jaegermonster]

Well, that certainly wasn't a very nice thing to say. But maybe they are from Virginia and are spoiled to hunt anywhere else. So maybe it is best that they go back there.

[Foxhunt4me]

Maybe so...

I was just chuckling about that comment since I have heard of some quite nice hunting down there!

[Jaegermonster]

Well, thank you foxhunt4me. Granted we are a drag hunt, but it is still really fun. And there are several other hunts, but I don't think they hunt pig or bobcat. I know when I hunted with South Creek in Tampa, they hunted coyote, but that is what is down there. I suppose we could ask the president of the MFHA what they hunt http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif........
but that other poster is just the "well up north we done it this way............." so if it's that much better up there I'll be glad to help her pack http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif. And I wonder how many hunts she has hunted with here..........

[Foxhunt4me]

I heard SCF was a nice group I met some of their folks online and they are great. I used to get their newsletter and they seem like a fun group.

Heck, out in Nebraska we had packs go off on mountain lion and they had to be broken off ( not legal to hunt them here ). The hunt I belong to was hunting in Iowa last year and we had the pack get on a Bobcat - those cats are spreading all over - some years ago they were rare.

Its hard for the huntsman to tell exactly what the hounds are opening on sometimes - seems that if they go off on deer you can tell most of the time. The place where the bobcat was is wooded - larger than our usual coverts and its hard to see very far or move fast in there.

I would like to try a Drag hunt sometime - I suspect those are real ' riders ' hunts. I know a lot of folks I have met in the hunt field might prefer that as they only are concerned about having a great ride and jumping a lot of coops and going fast.

[Jaegermonster]

We hunt often with SCF and they are a very nice group of people and alot of fun to hunt with. The thing about a drag hunt is it is good in area where your boundaries are limited (as so many are these days). You can control where you go, and therefore make the hunt a little more controlled and a little safer. The pace tends to be a little slower and lends itself to splitting up the field in order to have something for everyone. And you can also hunt more on public lands like management areas, since you aren't really hunting anything. Occasionally we do have a riot on some deer, but that is getting fewer and fewer as our hounds have gotten older and such. Our staff also have been working very hard the last few years with the hounds and the rioting is more rare these days. Our first day of Cubbing was last Saturday and the hounds were spectacular. This is going to be great year for us!
Even in a drag hunt you have people who ride to hunt and people who hunt to ride. The main event is still the hounds and I love to try to position the field where they can see our huntsman/JtMFH come screaming by with the pack of hounds singing for all they're worth. That really is what it is all about.

[Windy Willow]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Foxhunt4me:
Did you Florida folks see the topic on Horse care where someone is looking to move out of Florida and move to Maryland or Virginia?

To quote:

"Plus, fox hunting in FL means picking up the scent of a bobcat or wild pig and running around through swamps " <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

We hunt bobcat, coyote, grey fox and occasionally red fox....My hunt has a Fl address but we never run through swamps.
We are privileged to have thousands and thousands of acres on beautiful land to hunt on. I can't imagine there being better hunt country nor a better pack of hounds than we have. Looking forward to our Opening Meet Sat!

Would like to get down there on Oct 30 for MMH opening meet.

[fernie fox]

Windy Willow,you know you are welcome.

Give me a ring,have you still got my #.

There is still time to sign up.

We would love to have you.

[Jaegermonster]

WindyWillow, if you like email me your address and I can send you out an invitation and RSVP card. I'm still doing mailings and such...
its gunner5928@hotmail.com

[Foxhunt4me]

"We hunt bobcat, coyote, grey fox and occasionally red fox"

Thats great that you have so much game. In the hunt that I am a member of here we generally only hunt Coyote. A Red Fox is the exception and we cant legally hunt the bobcats with hounds.

[Windy Willow]

I've emailed you Jaegermonster and I'm going to call you FF! MAYBE I can make it happen.FUN! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

[Miss Maddie]

Oh, geez, I'm going to miss out on all the fun! I won't be there until the evening of the 30th. Major bummer! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif

[Windy Willow]

Well it looks like its a go. I just talked to your MFH. Sounds like ALOT of fun! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Fernie, I can't find your ph number. PT me!
Thanks Jaegermonster

[Jaegermonster]

Awesome! Can't wait to meet you!

[FlightCheck]

I just got my "packet" in the mail and am off to read it.........

[Jaegermonster]

Oh how exciting! I remember how excited I was to actually find a real foxhunt and be able to go....and I sat right down and read my whole hunt packet end to end.....
if you need a copy of Wadsworth let me know I have oodles that I got from COTH to sell as a fundraiser for our kennel......if I can help you with anything else let me know...
can't wait to see you out there....

[FlightCheck]

ok, I've got my invite and have read the packet...just a few more questions....

#1. I am incredibly SHY. Is there someone going on the 30th who could sort of show me the ropes (I want to watch, not hunt)

#2. What's the proper attire for watching?

[fernie fox]

Flightcheck.

My hubby is Mc ing,and will happily explain what is going on,If you make your self known to me at the meet,will introduce you to him and he will make sure you get on the same Tally ho wagon with him.

Fernie.

[Jaegermonster]

I'll be one of the first people you see when you come in the gate, we will be doing check in. Just let me know who you are and that we have been talking on the board and I'll get you with someone. I think my husband is running one of the tally ho wagons, so you can probably ride with him.
Most of our spectators just wear jeans or shorts and a decent shirt. Bring bug spray. Maybe some type of hat if you like, and bring a small cooler with whatever you like to drink to take along with you. Every body pretty much shares. Be sure and wear some type of a boot or mud safe shoe. That property is super wet right now due to the hurricanes, and it is also a working cattle farm as well as a horse farm http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Mallard's Mum]

Just caught this thread, I will be riding the wagon along with another friend for Misty Morning's open meet. Very excited about it having heard so much about your hunt. We are going with Windy Willow who is riding.

Fernie can't wait to meet a fellow Brit, will listen out for your accent.

Jager.... thanks for the notice on what to wear and bring. Hopefully I will get to meet you too.

[fernie fox]

MM.I will definately NOT be "on the wagon". http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I am riding my beloved old TB mare,she is retired,but coming out of retirement for this opening hunt.

It is our 10 th anniversary,and I rode her at the very first Misty Morning Hounds opening hunt. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sigh.gif

I really am looking forward to chatting with you about "the Olde Country". http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

See you soon. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Jaegermonster]

I and the Honorary Hunt Secretary (who actually does more of the day to day work) will be doing check in at the front gate, so we will be the first people you come to. Just let us know who you are from the boards http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif......You will have a blast! For the non horse riders, we will get you in a wagon..... Those of you that go second flight, I will probably be your field master, so we will have a ball! Can't wait to meet everybody!

[fernie fox]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mallard's Mum:
Fernie can't wait to meet a fellow Brit, will listen out for your accent.

QUOTE]


I have been here 22 years,I don't think I have an accent any more. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Mallard's Mum]

Snap FF, I have been here 22 years too. Maybe we will still sound alike then. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif I think I probably sound like a southern redneck English girl with a touch of Yankee drawl thrown in!

Jaeger.. I would love to ride second flight with you, but having never hunted before I don't know how my TB would do. Plus we haven't ridden much this summer. So instead of embarassing myself and WW, I think I will just sit staring longingly at everyone http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif But that will be fun and a learning experience for me too.

What is going to be embarassing is asking: "Are you Jaegermonster?" and getting funny looks back http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Foxhunt4me]

If you tell people you are looking for jagermonster they might think you are saying jagermeister and either lead you to the MFH or give you something out of their flask.

If you are in the wagon, since you dont have to ride you can probably bring 2 flasks.....

[Jaegermonster]

Hahahahaa FH4me that was a good one!.....seriously, I will be the first person they come to...my first name is Tanya

[fernie fox]

Hey,WW,

Don't forget to bring a "health Cert."

For when you go through the AG.stations.

I went out to "Snooty Fox Farm" today,It looks great.

They are working sooo hard to clean up hurricane damage.

It still looks lovely though.

[Windy Willow]

Thanks FF!! I always have a 6 month equine permit that goes along with my 30 day and it had expired last month!I had not even thought about it!I probably would of thought of it but I'm not sure I would of!

My vet was JUST out here yesterday and MM got one for her horse!I'm slipping in my old age! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif


Your MFH said that there usually about 72 riders! How many are in first flight?

[the wiz]

Hi Windy Willow,
I can answer your question about first field, (since I am master of that field.)
Opening meet is usually "busy." I have had as many as 25 riders. Some move up from second field after the first kill and they proved they can control their horse. Some move back to a slower field because their mounts are tired or too nervous.
Unique to our hunt/first field is "The Bailey's Rule"! If you should pass me, you owe me a bottle of Bailey's. If you pass me a second time, you will be excused from my field. You may join second or third field, but you're out of my field.
Look forward to meeting you!

[Miss Maddie]

Oh geez I hope I can make it!! Should know by tonight....

[Foxhunt4me]

We have one Field Master here who for fun when it gets slow for the field, having a blank day or such , suddenly hauls his horse to a halt to see how many people pass him !

You hear all the ' Hey, NOT FAIR ! ' comments....

[Miss Maddie]

OK, I hope I'm not too late.....I just left a message with the Secretary to RSVP for me & my SO for the breakfast. I'll be moving from NC to FL on Friday! Yikes.

Anyway, hope to meet some of you there!

[Windy Willow]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> you should pass me, you owe me a bottle of Bailey's. If you pass me a second time, you will be excused from my field. You may join second or third field, but you're out of my field.
Look forward to meeting you! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I would never dream of passing a fieldmaster http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
That happens? Seriously ....and one of our fieldmasters is known for his dead halts from a hard gallop. I've shot out of the saddle about two feet its so jarring. My horse does have brakes. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

Went pass the exit(399) today on our way to take a horse to Peggy Flemings the chiropractor in Dade City.Looks like it will only take us a hour and a half traveling.

[Miss Maddie]

Hey FlightCheck, I'm not sure if I'm riding or will be in the wagon yet. If I'm in the wagon we should try to meet up, I'll be clueless too! If I'm riding, maybe my boyfriend Ron can ride in your wagon, he won't know anybody either. Poor guy, I just drag him along to this stuff....

You are the one who announces at a lot of events, right? Hope I'm not getting you mixed up!

[fernie fox]

The Wiz.

I have been trying to call you for 2 days,your work no says they dont know you???

Your home number is constantly busy.

Please e-mail me re canter horse,maybe I can help.

hossjock@yahoo.com

Fernie

Please e-mail me ASAP.with a # I can contact you on,and the best Time.

Maybe the #s I have are out of date.

[the wiz]

Sorry Fernie!
I changed jobs in Feb., so all that info is outdated. Found out Sunday morning that my phone has been out.
I emailed you this morning.

Looking forward to seeing you Saturday!!!!!

[fernie fox]

It looks as though we are going to have a great turnout. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I will be riding my old dear mare,she has come out of retirement for this meet. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I rode her at Mistymorning Hounds very first opening hunt,10 years ago. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Look forward to meeting all of you,A COTH photo will definately be called for. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Windy Willow]

Fernie FOX and all the rest of you Misty Morning Floridians! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

Looking forward to meeting you on Sat....Me and me horsey are ready.....Altho I did a bad thing and rolled over in bed and went back to sleep instead of getting up to hunt on Tues morning.
http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif I'm going to try to go in the morning.

I have two wagon riders coming with me so they will make me get up Sat morning http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Your Georgia neighbor Windy Willow http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

[the wiz]

Great Windy Willow!
I visit your site frequently.

Look forward to meeting you!

[Miss Maddie]

Hope to meet you all! I'm still looking for a horse, but if I don't find one I'll be in one of the tally ho wagons!

[Reg Corkum]

South Creek Foxhounds are having their opening meet Thanksgiving Saturday at 9:00 at Little Everglades Ranch. Mary Anne Giandonato is chairing this event this year. That is in Dade City, Floirda. You may want to contact them directly for particulars if interested.
I will be there as a photographer. I love shooting the hunts as that early morning light and the adventure of not knowing where or what will present itself can be endlessly challenging and entertaining. I have found this group to be very nice indeed.