[MR] running of the hounds

[Alianora Munro]

In no way did I suggest that hunting actual game at
SCA events was a good idea.  In some jurisdictions,
hunting with hounds is illegal or restricted; hunting
out of season is poaching.  I did, however, object to
the representation of lure coursing as a period
activity, when it is not.

Not every dog enjoys coursing, either.  While
lure-coursing is enjoyable for some non-sighthounds,
it is not universally applicable to all dogs.  I have
a Golden Retriever.  He is baffled by the concept of
chasing a plastic shopping baggie.  (Would it be too
much for me to complain that plastic baggies hardly
contribute to period atmosphere?)  Why would you chase
something just to chase it?  As far as he is
concerned, you mark the fall of a thing (tennis ball,
duck) and then go after it for the purpose of picking
it up and bringing it back.  The current "hound
events" offered by the SCA offer nothing to him.  

I don't say this to complain; it is simply the way
things are, and I have been working, as I mentioned
earlier, on some ideas which would provide people like
me and their non-coursing dogs with activities which
would be acceptable and appropriate within the context
of an event.  I've heard from a few souls who are
interested in such things, and would be glad to
discuss it further with others.

regards,
Alianora

--- SCAGreyhound at aol.com wrote:

> Lure coursing as we know it today is not period. 
> But I am more than sure 
> that if we started hunting large game during SCA
> events there would be problems.  
> So we lure course the hounds, and yes other dogs
> too!  I have seen 
> dalmations, rotties and poodles among others course
> the lure.  It is fun and exciting 
> for both the humans and the hounds and causes no
> harm to large or small game in 
> the area - although plastic Wal-Mart bags are
> usually doomed!
> 
> Lady Caitriona inghean Ghiolla Phadraig
> Deputy Earl Marshal of Hounds, Atlantia

=====
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dame Alianora Munro, OL
the website: http://hometown.aol.com/noramunro/Chateau/index.htm
the blog:  http://damenora.diaryland.com

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