Glossary of Hunting Terms
All On
All hounds are present and accounted for.
Away
A fox has “gone away” when it has left covert. Hounds are “away” when they leave covert on the fox’s line.
Blank
To “draw blank” is to fail to find a fox in covert.
Bye Day
A hunting day not scheduled on the fixture card.
Capping Fee
A fee paid by non-subscribers or non-members for a day’s hunting.
Casting
The Huntsman directing hounds to spread out in search of the fox’s line.
Couple
Refers to two hounds, for counting purposes. Is also a device used to attach two hounds during training.
Covert (pronounced ‘cover’)
A patch of woods, brush, or vegetation where foxes are likely to lie.
Colors
Refers to the distinctive uniform colors of a hunt. Members must be granted the right to wear a hunt’s official colors.
Cub
A young fox.
Cubbing
Early-season hunting intended to introduce young hounds (“the young entry”) to their work. Takes please between August-October.
Coop
A triangular wooden jump, often built into a fence line to allow safe passage between fields.
“Coming By”
A warning call signaling that staff or hounds are approaching from behind or passing through the field. Riders should quickly move out of the way, keep horses facing the approaching staff or hounds, and maintain silence so staff can hear.
Check
A momentary loss of the scent line that interrupts the run.
Crop
The stiff portion of a hunting whip to which the thong and lash are attached.
Full Cry
The sound made by hounds when hunting.
Draw
To search a covert for a fox.
Drive
The determination, eagerness, and forward momentum a hound shows while working a scent line. A hound with drive pushes ahead with confidence, carrying the line forward and encouraging the rest of the pack. It reflects initiative, focus, and the desire to stay on the line rather than hesitate or dwell.
Dwell
When hounds hesitate, slow down or fail to press forward when hunting the line. A hound may “dwell”, lingering in an area instead of pushing on with determination.
Enter
A hound is said to “enter” when it begins its first regular hunting season with the pack and starts learning the practical work of hunting. Entering refers not only to the hound’s first exposure to live hunting, but also to the entire early period in which it gains experience, learns to listen to the Huntsman, and begins to understand the habits of foxes and the dynamics of the pack.
Feather
Subtle tail, head, or body movements indicating that a hound is near the line, but not yet speaking.
Field
The mounted followers of the hunt, excluding the MFH and staff.
Field Secretary
Elected officer who collects caps and manages field records.
Fixture Card
A schedule listing meets and times for the hunting season.
Go to Ground / Ground
When a fox takes refuge underground.
“Gate, Please”
A courteous call made by the rider opening or closing a gate to alert the rest of the field that assistance is needed or that the gate must remain closed behind all riders.
The rider immediately behind is responsible for taking over the gate and ensuring it is properly secured.
Riders should always acknowledge the call, pass it back through the field, and keep moving so as not to block the gate.
Hark
A command to be quiet and pay attention.
Head
To turn a fox from its intended line of travel—something all should avoid.
Heel
When hounds mistakenly run the line backward.
Hilltoppers
Followers—mounted or in vehicles—who remain behind the field and do not jump.
Hold Hard
A signal (arm raised vertically) requiring all riders to stop immediately and stand quietly.
Holding Up
Restraining hounds close to the Huntsman at covert’s edge.
Holloa
A high-pitched cry used to signal the viewed fox’s direction of travel.
Honor
When a hound gives tongue in support of another hound already on the line.
Hound
A fox hunting dog bred specifically for scenting and hunting. There are American, English, Crossbred, and Penn-Mary-Del breeds.
Hunting Whip
The crop, thong, and lash used by staff to guide and get the hound’s attention and should never be used to strike a hound. When a hound hears the loud pop a whip makes, the hound will generally pick up his head to determine the source.
Huntsman
The staff member who trains, hunts, and controls the hounds.
Kennel
Where hounds live; also used as shorthand (“back to kennels”).
Lark
To jump a fence unnecessarily when hounds are not running. This is not permitted unless under direction of your field leader.
Lash
The short cord at the end of the whip’s thong.
Line
The scent trail of the fox.
Litter
A group of young born to a mother at the same time (whelps or fox cubs).
Mark
A hound “marks” by indicating that the fox has gone to ground, by digging and speaking differently from its hunting cry.
Meet
The gathering of the hunt for the day’s sport.
The location where the hunt assembles.
Open
When a hound first gives tongue on the scent line.
Quarry
The fox or other hunted animal.
Ratcatcher
Informal hunting attire worn during cubbing season between August and October.
Riot
Game or livestock that hounds should not hunt.
Run
The action after hounds find the line—usually involving a gallop by the field.
“Reverse Field”
A command given by the Flight Leader instructing riders to turn around and reverse direction, usually due to hounds changing course or the need to avoid obstructing their work. Riders should execute the turn calmly and in order, giving space to those behind them. If you are the first rider when the field is reversed, find the next convenient spot that will allow the Field to move off the path and turn your horse to face the path.
Scent
The odor left by the fox and the conditions that affect its detectability.
Speak
For a hound to give tongue. Hounds speak, they do not bark.
Staff
The Huntsman and Whippers-In.
“Staff Please”
A call used by riders in the field to alert others that a Huntsman or Whipper-In needs a clear path. Riders should yield immediately, face their horses toward staff, and avoid crossing the staff member’s intended route.
Stern
A hound’s tail.
Stirrup Cup
A drink offered at the meet before the hunt moves off.
“Tally-Ho”
A cry given when a fox is viewed, traditionally by staff.
Thong
The braided leather section of the whip connecting the crop to the lash.
Turnout
The expected standard of horse, tack, and rider attire.
Tongue
The cry given by a hound when on the line.
View
To actually see the fox; those who view should quietly notify the Field Leader.
Walk
To raise or foster young hounds during the summer.
Whelp / Whelping
A young puppy; to bear puppies.
Whipper-In
A staff member who assists the Huntsman in controlling the hounds.
"Ware Wire, Ware Hole”
Short for '“beware”. This warning is used in the field to alert others that old wire or a hole is dangerously close. Riders should make space, slow down, or halt to avoid collisions.