Yesterday, Professional Huntsman Aliina unboxed 6 1/2 couple at 1:00 pm from Boone Valley Farm. With the assistance of First Whip Nicki and Second Whip Kaylan, Aliina hacked the pack West down the driveway across Sulphur Well Bridge, and turned North to draw the covert by Debbie’s House.
The hounds drew North and entered Raymond’s Scrub from the Southwest corner, where Stockmarket ‘21 spoke and quickly got a coyote running. Her packmates honored the line, and harked on to give a thrilling chase North and West—where all three Fields viewed the quarry and the ensuing run.
Attempting to elude the hounds in the tall, thick scrub the coyote hunkered down to cover its scent. Aliina circled the pack back by Raymond’s House and drew several more loops through the grass and thorns on the West side of the Scrub in an attempt to flush the quarry out of the covert. The hounds worked with intention, and multiple coyotes were detected in the general area, splitting several hounds from the main grouping. Beautiful houndwork and cry was enjoyed by all three fields, as our pack worked hard to puzzle out the stealthy quarry.
Aliina then drew the areas West through Mauk’s Cliff, where quarry was detected but no line could be sustained in the challenging scenting conditions.
Aliina and Hunt Staff gathered the hounds in Little Kansas, after which they were hacked to Mary Reynold’s creek to water off for a much needed drink. The pack then moved South from Davenport’s to the Museum Field, then to Raymond’s Barn at the bottom of the hill, and on into the Scrub at its Southeast corner. Once there Stockmarket ‘21, again found a second coyote…where Whip Nicki viewed the quarry with her and Juggler ‘23 in hot pursuit. In full cry, the hounds harked on straight North, where the clever coyote foiled the line at a juncture of gates along the Mary Reynold’s Creek.
Due to the sunny, windy, and dry conditions, the hounds were unable to hold the line despite casting ahead in every direction. Their patience and determination during the course of the hunt was a terrific sight to behold. Happy with the day and the drive demonstrated by the pack, Aliina gathered all of the hounds in Davenport’s and hacked back to the meet with the three Fields in tow.
Hound of the Day was Stockmarket ‘21, for her excellent finding abilities, as well as her adorable habit of power napping by the huntsman’s horse when gathering up. She knows when to act and when to conserve energy!
The Masters want to thank our talented Huntsman and Staff; dedicated Fieldmasters Heather Dunham (2nd) and Susan Hurt (3rd); and generous landowners for another great day of sport, capping off a spectacular Blessing weekend.
