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The Autumn Hunt/Cubbing

Autumn Hunting refers to the period formerly known as Cubbing. Traditionally this was the time when the new entry of hounds learnt how to hunt their quarry. Meets were held early in the morning and the field were present to help "hold up" covert foxes (i.e. prevent a fox from leaving the area). The dress code is different from formal hunting dress and is often referred to as "ratcatcher" which refers to the tweed jackets that are worn.

During a hunting season 21,000-25,000 foxes are killed between 8,400 - 10,000 of these are cubs. These cubs will not see their first birthday.

Below is an extract from Foxhunting by the late Duke of Beaufort, Master of Fox Hounds, published by David & Charles.

“Never lose sight of the fact that one really well-beaten cub killed fair and square is worth half a dozen fresh ones killed the moment they are found without hounds having to set themselves to the task. It is essential that hounds should have their blood up and learn to be savage with their fox before he is killed.”

For more that two decades Clifford Pellow served as a huntsman. This is an account of Cubbing by a professional Huntsman who served with several packs of foxhounds in England and Wales.

The aspect of his hunting career that, today, causes the most remorse is his participation in Cubbing - the annual hunting and destruction of foxes aged no more that 5-7 months, with the aim of teaching their family group as well as the new entry of hounds a suitable lesson.

“It is a barbaric, hideous business in which the victims are still completely and utterly inexperienced and still dependent on their mothers.”

(Click to read more of his account. Please be aware that you may find the account disturbing)

Does your MP Support Cubbing?