The opening of the hunting season proper brings a new anxiety to the
keeper. While it opens in early November, no date is recognised. The
keeper would like to see one fixed, and he would make it after his
coverts had been shot at least once. Many shooting men would also like
to see the idea established that hounds should not come to their woods
until after the first shoots, especially where there are many hares.
Often a landowner will refuse a master's request for permission to
come his way until he has done with his coverts. The keeper does not
so much object to the hounds merely passing through when in full cry,
for then the hounds run in a compact body, and pay no attention to
game. They only disturb a line about ten yards wide right through the
woods. What disturbs every game-bird and hare in the place is drawing
a covert, particularly when scent is bad and foxes are in evidence,
but not to be forced away. Unhappy the keeper who must throw open his
coverts at all seasons while other neighbouring coverts are closed.
The prohibition of one wood often leads to the closing of many more;
and hunt officials are well advised to break down, by every power
of persuasion, all restrictions which favour one or two keepers at
the expense of brother keepers. At any rate, we think it would be an
excellent idea that the keeper whose coverts are always open to hounds
should have double the reward paid for a find to the keeper whose
coverts are open only after Christmas.
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