A couple of us went to check up on the Eggesford for their second weekday hunt meet last week. Unlike those who hunt, sabs have real jobs, which meant we were unable to get there in time for the off. We found the hunt, who had met at Great Fisherton on the edge of Bishop’s Tawton, as they were drawing the pheasant woodland north of Hawkridge Bridge at around 1pm.
This is the same area where they had their Ladies Day just a few weeks ago. Only this time Jason was back to his usual number of riders (just 3) and less than a handful of support vehicles. Terriermen Tom Bounsall and Jake Crabb spent the day sitting around on their quads with Jake’s partner.
Despite having just one sab on foot, we were able to see two foxes to safety in this area. Alongside our citronella, the warm temperatures and dry ground helped undermine the foxes’ scent. We made good use of our drone to keep an eye on the hunt’s movements as they headed north via Upcott, towards Halmpstone Manor and Higher Woolstone where hounds did chase a fox over some distance. With the drone we spotted the fox make a clever getaway and positioned ourselves to intercept hounds should they get back on the line. Jason did attempt a second loop of the area but the fox by now was safely away and scent had dried up. The hunt packed up by 4.30pm.
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