What is Basseting?

Basseting is the sport of following a pack of Basset Hounds in pursuit of hares or rabbits. The structure is nearly identical to a traditional foxhunt, although the pursuit is on foot. It is a centuries-old tradition that continues to draw young and old who love the outdoors, good sport, and hunting with hounds.

The staff consists of the Master, or Joint Masters, Secretary, Whippers-in, and the Huntsman. Participants are called the Field. The Huntsman is responsible for the actual hunting of the hounds, while the Whippers-in assist in the controlling of the pack. A Field Master leads the Field in such a way that members of the Field will have optimal views of the hounds at work.

The Joint Masters
Lei Ruckle - D.J. Moore - Laura Carpenter Balding

Protocol In The Field

RESPECT THE FIELD MASTER: Be guided by, and stay behind, the Field Master at all times. Heed direction given by the Field Master and relay to other Field members behind you if they did not hear the instruction. If you find that you want to leave the Field early, you must speak to the Master to excuse yourself. (This is as much a safety measure as it is a common courtesy.)

FENCES: Be prepared to climb fences. Climb fences at the post where strongest, not in the middle. Slide under wire fences whenever possible to avoid stretching the wires.

GATES: If a gate is opened, make sure that the last person through closes it securely.

GROUNDS: Keep off lawns and gardens near houses, and avoid walking on newly planted ground.

LIVESTOCK: Keep well away from all livestock in fields and paddocks so as not to excite them. Move quietly around the enclosed area, rather than cross it, unless following the Field Master.

SMOKING AND ALCOHOL: Smoking or drinking are not permitted in the hunting field.

PARKING AT THE MEET: Park in designated areas and out of the way of the hound trailer.

HOUNDS: Silence is golden when Hounds are working . Talking distracts them. Please don’t call to or encourage a hound away from the pack. During the hunt they are only to be working.

PETS:Leave family pets at home, or in your car. They cause distractions for the pack and can lead to numerous problems.