Working for a Hunt

What Working for a Hunt Involves

For many rural families in the UK, working for a hunt has been a way of life passed down through generations. The role is less about dramatic cross-country gallops and more about the daily care of horses and hounds, along with the practical upkeep of kennels and stables.

Since the Hunting Act 2004, hunting wild mammals with dogs has been illegal in England and Wales, with only limited exemptions under strict conditions. However, many hunts continue to operate by following a pre-laid trail, typically using a scent such as fox urine. This is known as trail hunting. Staff roles have adapted to this legal framework, though the core focus on animal welfare and the organisation of hunt days remains central to the work.

If you are drawn to outdoor work with animals and have a strong connection to rural traditions, this could be a career worth exploring. The work is physical, the hours are long, and the lifestyle can be demanding. Those suited to it often value the close bonds formed with animals and the tight-knit communities that surround rural hunts.

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Roles and Responsibilities

Hunt staff typically include the huntsman, who manages the hounds during a hunt day, and the kennel huntsman or whipper-in, who assists with hound control and kennel duties. Grooms may also be employed to care for the horses.

Daily tasks include feeding and exercising hounds, mucking out kennels, grooming and tacking up horses, and maintaining equipment. During the hunting season, staff are responsible for preparing hounds and horses for meets, then managing them throughout the day.

Much of the work takes place outdoors in all weathers. Practical, weatherproof clothing is essential. Sturdy boots, waterproof jackets, and warm layers are standard everyday wear. For formal hunt days, smarter attire is expected. Each hunt has its own livery, and top boots along with hunt coats may be supplied by the employer.

The season runs roughly from late October to March, though some hunts extend into April depending on local tradition. Work continues year round. Summer months are spent on hound breeding, puppy walking coordination, and general maintenance of facilities.

Health and safety is a practical concern in this line of work. Staff handle large animals in unpredictable outdoor conditions, and hunts typically carry public liability insurance. Awareness of risks and proper handling techniques is expected from the outset.

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Hound Packs and Their Differences

Different hunts work with different types of hounds, each suited to particular terrain. Foxhound packs are the most common, but you may also encounter:

• Beagles and harriers, which are followed on foot
• Basset hounds, also followed on foot at a slower pace
• Bloodhounds, used for clean boot hunting where a human runner lays the trail
• Fell hounds, bred for the steep terrain of the Lake District and other upland areas

Hounds are traditionally counted in couples rather than individually. A typical UK pack might consist of 20 to 30 couples, meaning 40 to 60 hounds in total. Understanding pack behaviour and being able to handle hounds confidently is a core skill for anyone in this line of work.

Many hunts also play a role in land management and conservation, maintaining hedgerows, coverts, and woodland across the areas they use. Staff may be involved in this work outside of the season.

Getting Started and What to Expect

There is no single formal route into hunt work. Many people begin by helping out at a local hunt, volunteering with kennels, or working as a groom. Experience with horses and dogs is usually expected, and a genuine enthusiasm for country life counts for a great deal.

Some aspiring hunt staff complete courses in horse care or animal management at agricultural colleges. Organisations such as the Masters of Foxhounds Association can provide information about opportunities and training pathways.

Pay varies depending on the hunt, the role, and the level of experience. Accommodation may be provided as part of the package, which is common in live-in positions. For current guidance on minimum wage rates and employment rights, check GOV.UK.

Traditionally, May 1st marks the date when hunt staff who wish to move on will change kennels and take up positions elsewhere. This informal system means job changes tend to follow a seasonal pattern.

Public perception of hunting has shifted considerably, and staff today often engage with local communities to explain the work of the hunt and address concerns. The role suits those who prefer being outdoors, are comfortable with physical labour, and have a calm, patient manner with animals. It can be isolating at times, especially in remote rural areas, and the hours during the season are demanding. But for those who thrive in this environment, it offers a way of life rooted in tradition and close work with animals.

The Next Step

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