Huntsman Rodney Swanson and the Shakerag Hounds galloped off at their opening meet, Oct. 20, at the kennels in Hull, Ga. (Dorus Rudisill Photo)

Setting off with the Rombout Hunt pack on Oct. 6 from Gone Away Farm in Hyde Park, N.Y., on a foggy opening morning were (from left) whipper-in Joy Imperati, MFH and huntsman Suzie Cannavino and whipper-in Christine Fairbanks.
(Donna Ross Photo)

Huntsman Eleanor Hartwell led the Bridlespur Hunt hounds to their first covert at their opening meet, Nov. 4, at Valley Green Farm in Eolia, Mo. (Donald Granger/Hoof-Pics.com Photo)

Huntsman Tommy Lee Jones (left) and MFH William G. Fendley (right) led the staff and field to the first covert on their opening meet at Weston in Casanova, Va., on Oct. 27.
(Douglas Lees Photo)

Historic Oakley Farm in Upperville, Va., the scene of two Civil War battles, hosted the Piedmont Fox Hounds opening meet. Huntsman Richard Roberts led the way.
(Douglas Lees Photo)

Sherwood Forest Plantation on the James River in Charles City, Va., the home of President John Tyler, provided a historic backdrop for the Princess Anne Hunt’s opening meet on Oct. 27. Caroline Jones (left), and huntsman James Raine (right) listened as the Reverend Virginia Heistand Jones (center) blessed the hounds. (Pam Martin Photo)

The Arapahoe Hunt left from their Watkins, Colo., kennels for their opening meet on Oct. 14. (John Douglas Photo)