The Devon & Somerset Staghounds

In Queen Elizabeth I's reign Exmoor was hunted as a Royal Forest, the Ranger, Hugh Pollard keeping a pack at Simonsbath, as did his successors. The history of the Hunt has been recorded since 1775, although the Acland family held the Mastership of these hounds for many years before this date. From 1775 to 1784 Colonel Basset, the first Master to hold office under the present constitution, remained at the head of affairs, and until 1803 the pack was maintained at the expense of successive Masters. It was then a subscription pack, until 1812 when Lord Fortescue hunted the country at his own cost. In 1824 the pack (the last of the true staghounds) was sold abroad. The Hunt's fortunes were mixed in those early days, but a notable Mastership was that of Mr Fenwick Bisset, who completed more than a quarter of a century.

Today, the present Masters are (1981) Mr Maurice and (1987) Mrs Diana Scott, to be joined this season (2000/01) by Mr George Witheridge. Huntsman: (1991) Donald Summersgill, Whippers-in: 1st (1999) John Stone, 2nd (1999) Matthew Herlahy. Hounds: 57 couple, marked DSSH, property of the Committee and kennelled at Exford. Days of Meeting: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Subscription: Apply to the Hon. Secretary.
Autumn Staghunting commences August to 3rd week October. Hind Hunting 1st November to end of February. Spring Staghunting early March to end of April.

The country - Although historically the wild red deer are hunted "wherever found in Devon or Somerset", their territory in practice extends 50 miles across by 30 miles north to south. it runs from the River Taw in the West to the Parrett in the East. A line drawn east to west through Tiverton marks the southern boundary, and the northern boundary is the Bristol Channel. The terrain is mostly moorland and woodland.

Click here for this month's Meets and Functions of the Devon & Somerset Staghounds