Source: Rose Tree-Blue Mountain Hunt (Pennsylvania District)
Purpose: Connect with, and maintain communication with new & existing landowners
How it Works:
Since 2010, Sean Cully, Joint MFH of the Rose Tree-Blue Mountain Hunt (RT-BMH) has opened over 90 parcels of land for his hunt. Naturally, this has entailed much paneling, opening trails, etc., but it all had to start with landowner permissions. His wife Maryann created a manual to facilitate connecting with, and maintaining communication with landowners, and his joint-master Edward Franco has helped with the distribution.
Their hunt finds that handing landowners a little pamphlet that gives the “who, what and why” of the hunt is a great way to begin a conversation with landowners—especially new ones. Furthermore, Sean states, “Our accountability is everything,” and the pamphlet gives landowners the information they need to reach the hunt with questions and concerns. Hound retrieval is one of many issues that can profit from the established communication link.
There are of course many ways a hunt can format and write an information pamphlet useful for their landowners. RT-BMH’s manual includes the following elements:
- Brief history of their hunt
- A brief history of foxhunting in the United States
- A description of hunting with hounds that includes:
- Objective of the hunt
- Method & typical events of the day
- Raising & training hounds
- List of youth activities: Pony Club, 4-H, hound walking, educational events, etc.
- A list of hunting, land conservation & farming organizations they support
- Contact information for their hunt: MFHs, secretary, phone & email information
Again, hunts should tailor their information to their landowners and environment, while remaining aware their document will be in the public arena and controversial content should be avoided. As RT-BMH has done, keep in mind that your pamphlet is a great place to highlight the educational, community service and social events your hunt offers.
The pamphlet can have an important “foot in the door” benefit. A landowner initially opposed to hunting on their property may change their mind after reading the manual and want to contact the hunt. Especially after they’ve seen what good stewards of the land foxhunters can be!
Concluding, Sean restates his belief that connecting and maintaining communication with new and existing landowners is essential to keeping land open to foxhunting.
A manual given to landowners signals a hunt’s intention to be responsible and accountable neighbors.
For more information about this practice, contact the MFHA at 540-883-0883 or office@mfha.com.
Entries posted with “Notes” are for information and education and represent the views, opinions, conclusions, recommendations and experiences of the submitting parties. Their inclusion does not constitute endorsement or warranty by the MFHA of the accuracy, applicability, fitness or completeness of the postings.
