AN ESTIMATED 300 supporters turned out on Good Friday for the traditional Three Shires and Little Langdale fox hunt.
Despite the future of hunting remaining in doubt and a decision expected by the time next year's event comes around, the mood was reported to be positive.
Edmund Porter, master of the Eskdale and Ennerdale Hunt, said around 100 began the walk with 30 hounds in attendance, while many more used binoculars to view the action from surrounding hillsides.
Mr Porter, of Eskdale, said the hunt took in between ten and 12 miles.
A fox was caught on Birk Fell, near Tilberthwaite, and a second got away after the pack met a group of walkers and the hounds lost the scent.
Of the future of hunting, Mr Porter said it was important not to be defeatist.
"First and foremost we are doing it to keep the fox numbers down to a happy medium, because on the fell it is one of the most effective ways of controlling them.
"For others they enjoy it, it is a day out, they get exercise.
"We have got to carry on and hope things get resolved in time. It is very anxious because nobody knows what the Government is going to do," he said.
The Eskdale and Ennerdale pack was founded in 1857 by Tommy Dobson and Mr Porter's grandfather William was once master. Mr Porter became a huntsman in 1963 and a master in 1976.
April 24, 2003 10:30
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