Hunting with hounds dates back to ancient times. Even the Egyptians more than 3,000 years ago BC used dogs to catch a wild beast. In Russia, such entertainment was especially popular in the 19th century, although its roots go back to the 10-11th century.
Such a hunt was considered the privilege of the rich. Today it has acquired a sporting character. Few hunt for commercial value.
The success of such an event depends on so many circumstances. And this is not about hunter accuracy. In hunting, everything primarily depends on the dog. She begins to learn from three months. For this, the hound is taken for walks in the plains, forests, accustomed to the horn, leash, collar. At 9 months, she was taught not to be afraid of the forest, leaving her there for a long time alone.
What should be a hound?
All dogs used for hunting are determined by 4 characteristics: instinct, tirelessness (viscosity), speed (paranoia) and voice. Anger and gambling will not be superfluous. All these qualities are laid at the genetic level, therefore, when choosing an animal, special attention is paid to its pedigree.
Flair is very important. It is divided into lower and upper. Dogs with the latter appearance are valued, as long as they can catch a smell through the air with their heads raised. Such hounds easier to recover the lost track, they feel the beast better.
Today, callosity has begun to be appreciated. If in ancient times they were proud of dogs that were ready to drive the beast at least all day, today hunters have limited time. It is very important for them that their pets can finish the persecution in time.
What is the weather like?
Hunting with hounds depends on the weather. For example, when the wind, the dogs disorient. In addition, the track is very quickly lost, the sound is carried away. Cloudy weather with a light drizzle is considered ideal. Then the ground on the trails becomes soft, which prevents the cushions of the dogs from erasing. The smell of the beast stays firmly in the air.
Hunting with Russian hounds, as a rule, ends when snow falls, and the whole process becomes slow and very long, loses its meaning. Of course, if the precipitation layer is 20-30 cm and no more, then you can still poison the beast.
Who to hunt for?
The most popular animal is the hare. Hunting begins with hounds with the first appearance of the blacktrop. Hunters, as a rule, do not pay attention to the stale skins of the beast.
The second popular animal is the fox. Very often, dogs stray from the trail of a hare and rush in pursuit of it, because its smell is stronger. In order to prevent this, the dog from puppyhood is taught to squirrels.
The third beast is a wolf. Slipped
If there is very little left now, then its popularity is gradually disappearing. Although still some hunting organizations have volcogons.
Where to hunt?
Hunting with hounds is popular in the forests of Crimea and the North Caucasus. But it is the European part of the country that is famous for its dogs. Also, the popularity of hunting in Siberia is increasing annually. Thousands of people are constantly expanding the territory of persecution of the beast, gradually making their way to the most remote corners.
Yes, hound hunting, despite its ancient roots, is still popular today. New organizations specializing in this industry are opening up; there are professional dog breeders.