A vital relationship

A huntsman and a field master must work closely together and communicate effectively and frequently, says Kimblewick master and huntsman Andrew Sallis

- Kimblewick master and huntsman Andrew Sallis

THE increasing pressures on hunting in the modern countryside throw a spotlight on the seminal relationship between field master and huntsman: their bond and trust has never been more crucial.

Respect for the land has always been a founding principle of hunting. As farm income is increasingly derived from non-food production and away from the marketplace, those whose privilege it is to use their land are bound to obey rules and conditions their forebears would have found unfathomable. And yet, tremendous sport is still produced up and down the country under challenging conditions.

The best field masters have a natural ease of horsemanship and diplomacy. Authority stamped with charm is far preferable to clamour. Idle threats and rudeness do not gain respect either. Young field masters are essential and often give the field a real buzz but they must learn their craft from elders in varying countries and remember that they are ambassadors too, who, particularly at a young age, cannot become aloof to everyone but their clique.

In these times of multiple joint-masterships and area managers, most huntsmen must work with numerous field masters, each with their own style, skill and experience. Relations can be strained at times, understandably, but this is usually due to a lack of communication.

All disputes should be kept out of sight and off the hunting field. Public displays of disloyalty gain few admirers, no matter the reason or virtue. Mutual loyalty is therefore imperative to success.