FROM THE HUNT SABOTEURS

 Here is the latest news from the HSA.

As with other forms of hunting, stag hunting also contains exemptions to the law, and loopholes which allows this barbaric bloodsport to continue under the ‘smokescreen’ of a lawful activity.

The 2004 Hunting Act bans hunting of wild mammals with a pack of hounds, but the exemption is two hounds can be used to flush the chosen quarry to be shot by gun. That might sound black and white to the average normal person, however to the types who choose to participate in such activities it’s seen as a loophole to bend the law so they can get as much enjoyment and excitement to fill their bloodlust as possible. 

Whilst more often than not during the last season two hounds were being seen to be used, on occasion more hounds were witnessed chasing stags. On one occasion after having very little success with two hounds, sabs caught the hunt illegally pursuing a stag with three hounds. On another occasion when the hunt thought they were out of sight it was reported six hounds were being used. Another ‘terribly good wheeze’ to rinse the law for all it’s worth, is something known as ‘relaying’, rather that just having the two hounds, the hunt will have more hounds with them to swap over once the first hounds start to tire.

The definition of the term ‘to flush’, is for example to send the two hounds into the woods or cover, and use them to spook(flush) the stag out into the open to be shot by a waiting marksman. This most certainly is not what is happening. The hunt will search for a herd of deer, with the supporters driving around the area calling in when deer are spotted. 

Once a herd of deer is located the hunt will attempt to isolate the chosen stag from the rest of the herd. The stag is now being hunted, not being flushed as the law states. The chase can go on for hours, one report from the season reported witnessing a stag being chased for 15km, and this is a common occurrence. The chosen stag will be hunted until he finally drops to the ground from exhaustion, this causes the stag unimaginable amounts of stress both mentally and physically.

The stag hunts attract some of the most unsavoury characters in society. The supporters and followers play a vital role in what is undoubtedly illegal hunting. The support are often violent and once the fox and hare hunts have finished for the season are joined by their members. Incidents this past season included the usual threats and attempts at intimidation, assaults and criminal damage to sab vehicles.