Hunt Saboteurs - equipment

For as long as there has been the pastime of hunting wildlife with hounds there have been people trying to save the lives of hunted animals - and campaigning to change the law to end such hunting. After the Hunting Act 2004 Hunt Saboteurs have been taking direct action to protect our wildlife from illegal hunting. Hunt Saboteurs are the front line for wildlife protection. Here is some of the equipment saboteurs use to prevent illegal hunting.

SPRAY TO MASK THE SCENT OF THE QUARRY AND TO REDUCE THE ABILITY OF THE HOUNDS TO FIND A SCENT.

The classic original aerosol spray used by Hunt Saboteurs to mask the scent of the fleeing quarry was Antimate. In later years there were many derivatives of this - here we have Shaws Off Season. The price of 20p gives an indication when it was purchased. The can says:

"Shaws Off Season is an effective but pleasant masking odour to prevent the nuisance caused by dogs while a bitch is in season.

Directions

Holding the spray approximately 12 inches from the bitch, spray hind quarters, between rear legs and base of tail, taking care to avoid direct contact with the genitals.

Use twice a day, particularly before exercising. Preferably start using the spray a few days before season begins, and continue until several days after termination. Off Season is also useful sprayed around doors, walls, fencing and gates of house and kennel."

Hunt saboteurs would endeavour to get behind the fleeing fox, hare, deer, mink or otter and spray the air and ground in as wide a band as possible. Because this tactic was very effective at baffling the hounds it would often enrage the hunters.

HUNTING HORN

This is the traditional Swaine & Adeney hunting horn used by hunt saboteurs to save the lives of hunted animals. This horn is 9 inches long and has no reed. Because it enables the hunt saboteur to take control of the pack the horn is always blown with great care to ensure that the hounds are not drawn into danger such as over roads or railway lines.

Here the traditional horn is shown alongside another version that has a reed (making it easier to blow) and so is slightly longer (10½ inches). The horn is by Kohler & Son.