Modern Hound Trailing
Owners of hounds register them with one of the various hound trailing associations and also pay a fixed member's fee. The hound trailing season runs from 1 March to 31 October each year. Trails occur several times a week during this period.
The association will get permission from any farmers and landowners over whose land the trail may run. Owners and supporters will gather at the start of the trail, often along with stalls for bets to be placed and stands for food and drinks to be sold. Trailers will drag a rag soaked in aniseed, paraffin and oil across the course, leaving a scent trail. The dogs will then be lined up, held by their owners until the starting flag. They will then be released to follow the course, which often takes between 25 and 45 minutes. The first back is the winner, with rosettes, ribbons and cups as well as prize money being awarded to those achieving good positions in particular races or overall league tables.
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