In rural areas hunting assumes great significance beyond the activity of hunting because of its social contribution to the lives of rural communities. Hunting gives participants a strong sense of “belonging” to their local hunt in following a shared activity. This cohesion of hunting communities became ever more apparent during the foot and mouth crisis. An example being trained hunt staff helping with the contiguous cull – their professionalism was much appreciated by farmers.
A survey carried out by Product Studies Research in January 2000 reported that:
The statistic on the un-mounted followers is of particular interest and political relevance. For many retired people, following the local hunt during the winter months is their chief leisure activity.