Riding Rules
Field Members
All of those riding in the field to observe the hunt should adhere to Field Member rules at all times. Remember that your conduct impacts the reputation of the Hunt, and the fun and safety of all around you. Should your conduct negatively affect others or the reputation of the Hunt you may be asked to leave and your invitation to continue hunting with Comanche Creek Hunt may be revoked at any time by the Directors without refund.
Field Member Expectations
Field Members may never pass the Field Master.
Field Members are subject to the direction of the Field Master at all times.
Members are not allowed to leave the field without Field Master approval.
Our Hunt territory belongs to our valued Landowners. Gates must be closed or left open as it was found.
Never disrupt any livestock. Field Members must walk when approaching and in near range of livestock.
No outside dogs will be allowed at the kennels, hunts or Comanche Creek Hunt events without prior approval of the Directors.
Do not leave your horse loose at any time.
Horses must be tied or in the trailer. No exceptions.
Never completely remove your halter or bridle. Always have a rope, halter, or reins around the horse's neck. No exceptions.
Please be mounted 10 minutes prior to the meet time. We will move off promptly with or without you. If you are late, do not take any shortcuts, unless by public road, to catch up.
Carry medical info and emergency contact info in their left pocket at all times while mounted for hunt activities.
Field members are not allowed to carry radios, firearms, or horns unless asked to do so by the Directors or Huntsman. They may carry a hunt whip with the thong/lash removed.
It is recommended, but not required, for field members to take the Colorado Division of Wildlife Hunter Safety course and have a small-game license.
Territory Preservation Expectations
Always follow your Field Master.
Do not assume to take your own line ever. The Field Master may have knowledge of landowner requests or dangers that you as a Field Member are not privy to.
The hunt has permission to ride on specific private property, you as an individual do not.
Keep up with the field and not wander.
Do not ride through the property prior to the hunt or at any other time.
If you have caused damage to a road, driveway, parking area alert one of the Directors, Whip, or Field Master.
If you encounter a broken fence or gate you must wait there and guard the opening until help arrives.
You are personally and financially responsible for promptly fixing any damage to the property or livestock resulting from your presence. Failure to do so will result in immediate revocation of your invitation to hunt without reimbursement of monies already paid.
Never allow livestock to escape. Stay behind rather than cause any inconvenience to our landowners.
Every rider is responsible for closing the gates. If riders have broken into groups the gate must be closed behind each group or the field needs to wait and consolidate.
Even if there are riders behind, you may not leave the gate open.
Never assume that if you do not see livestock it is ok to move on.
Never leave someone alone at a gate.
Never block any entrances to gates, buildings, or other access points anywhere on the property.
Leave it cleaner than when you came.
Never litter, tear up the ground, or leave manure at the meet.
There is no smoking while hunting.
Riding single file around the edge of cultivated fields, food plots, roads, and lawns is essential to reduce damage and inconvenience to Landowners
Never cut corners or ride across cut grass or lawns.
Do not hog the road. Proceed quickly and safely as able in single file.
Alert others to oncoming traffic and allow cars to pass.
Do not hold up traffic unless you are protecting a hound at a crossing, but this is typically staff’s work.
Smile big and wave (show your teeth). Always acknowledge others and be courteous and polite to all you encounter. Remember that you are a guest and your actions can impact us all.
Hounds
Comanche Creek Hunt is a new hunt and we have a new pack. It’s critical to set our pack up for long-term success. Always ensure your horse is stopped and facing the hounds as they approach, pass or check. Follow the example of your Field Masters. When in doubt stop and face the hounds. Field Members must adhere to the following rules:
Hounds have the right of way at all times, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Always allow hounds to clear an obstacle or pass you whenever they are near.
Stop your horse until all hounds have gone by.
Never impede a hound from returning to the Huntsman or his duty hunting.
Never speak to a hound or distract a hound in any way from his work. Shouting “hound please” every time you see one is unnecessary and distracting. Only if you notice that a hound requires room to proceed, notify others by saying “Hound Please” in a voice only so loud as to notify the necessary parties. Do not shout.
Move off the path entirely for the hound to feel safe to proceed.
Do not come between the Huntsman and a hound, no matter the distance.
When hounds are cast do not speak. Chatter can easily disrupt the hunt. Keep voices very low or to a whisper. Socializing at checks is acceptable.
If you see a hound separated from the pack
notify the Field Master or Whip immediately.
if Staff is not around, note the location and go find Staff.
Last resort options:
Unmount, use your belt or stock-tie as a leash and stay where you are until Staff arrives.
Unmount, use your belt or stock-tie as a leash and lead them home.
Encourage them to follow you home using these words. Use the hounds name first then “this way” or “come”.