Hounds

Our hounds are English Hounds, known for their hunting ability, but also their good temperament and friendliness. Their pedigrees have been carefully recorded and can be traced back hundreds of years.
Generally one litter of puppies are born each year and they live their entire life as an Iroquois hound with their group mates. Hounds are trained during spring and summer houndwalks.  They begin to hunt with the group after their first birthday.

As they learn to follow the scent of coyote instinct guides them as they discover their purpose.  Hunting hounds enjoy the thrill of the sport under the direction of the Huntsman. The hounds selected for a hunt day will include many older experienced hounds and some younger hounds who will learn from them.
About IHC Hounds
On a hunt the hounds chase the scent of coyote.  Only rarely do hounds actually see the coyote.  The purpose is to keep the coyotes dispersed so they don’t travel in packs or bother livestock and pets.
 
To protect their safety, all hounds wear a tracking collar when in the hunt field.  If a hound is hurt or caught in a wire fence he or she can be found and rescued by the kennel staff.  Also, if a hound gets separated from the group, hunt staff will be able to find them.
 
Iroquois was the first hunt in the nation to establish a retirement program for its hounds.  Once a hound has to be retired because of age or injury it is supported by the Hound Welfare Fund, a non-profit organization.  The Fund allows the hounds to live out their days in the kennel with their friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you shoot the hunted quarry?

No.  Hounds chase the quarry by scent and we follow on horseback.  When the hounds lose the scent the hunt is over.  The focus is on watching the hounds work.

Do you release game?

No. We do not stock the hunt country with coyotes.  They live here naturally.  If we do not find the scent of a coyote it is called a blank day, but the hounds and riders still enjoy the hunt.  The fun is in watching the hounds work.