Est. 1914
Moore County Hounds, Inc.
Southern Pines, North Carolina
Current Masters of Foxhounds (MFH)
Cameron C. Sadler, MFH (2003)
Michael B. Russell, MFH (2009)
David W. Carter, MFH (2013)
Lloyd “Jock” P. Tate, VMD & MFH (2015)
Nicole Zardus, Secretary
Past Masters of Foxhounds
- Jim Boyd, MFH (1914-1942)
- Jack Boyd, MFH (1914-1942)
- W.O. (Pappy) Moss, MFH (1942-1976)
- William Brewster, MFH (1950-1956)
- Earl “Happy” Hoy, MFH (1956-1961)
- Richard D. Webb, MFH (1961- present Master)
- Virginia Walthour Moss, MFH (1969-2006)
- Raymond C. Firestone, MFH (1980-1992)
- David P. Dillard, MFH (1998-2009)
- Cameron C. Sadler, MFH (2003- present Master)
- Josephine T. Ellis (2009-2014)
- Michael B. Russell, MFH (2009- present Master)
- David W. Carter, MFH (2013- present Master)
- Lloyd “Jock” P.Tate, Jr., VMD & MFH (2015- present Master)
Richard D. Webb, MFH (1961)
Want more information?
Download our Hunt Guidelines PDF!
History of Moore County Hounds
Why do we hunt?
To enjoy outdoor sporting life, friendships, watching the hounds do what they are bred to do, and sometimes the thrill of riding fast on a great horse.
One of the Oldest Hunts in America
Moore County Hounds is the oldest recognized pack of foxhounds in North Carolina and one of only a few remaining private packs. It was founded by Jim and Jack Boyd in Southern Pines, NC in 1914. The original kennels were located at Weymouth House. The Moore County Hounds was registered with the MFHA in 1921. We still hunt from some of the same meets that were used back when the Boyd’s started the hunt: Reynard’s Ridge & The Pastures (originally called Paddock Junior).
Except for a short period of time during World War I, the Boyd brothers hunted their hounds until 1942. At the onset of World War II, the Boyd’s gave the Moore County Hounds to Mr. & Mrs. W.O. Moss. In the mid 1940’s, the Pappy Moss purchased his land a mile from town, and built Mile Away Farm and the MCH Kennels. As a team, Gin- nie and Pappy Moss hunted and bred their pack of Crossbred hounds. They were mostly tri-color and were descended from English hounds, then crossed with other hound breeds to enhance voice, nose, biddability, color and size.
After each hunting season, Ginnie Moss completed with the Moore County Hounds at hound shows up and down the East coast. Over the years, the Moore County Hounds won or retired every Crossbred hound championship trophy at the different hound shows, to include the Virginia and Bryn Mawr Hound Shows.
In 1976, after Pappy’s death, Ginnie Moss hunted the hounds for several years. Don Fulmer hunted the hounds for a short period of time. In December 1984, Clive Rose be- came the professional huntsman and remained until his retirement. He was followed by Duncan Stewart who was huntsman until 2006. In 2006, Jody Murtagh became the professional huntsman, and brought 15 couple of Penn-Marydel hounds to Moore County. This is the origin of the pack which hunts so successfully in the Sandhills today. Today’s pack is known for having great scenting ability, and booming voices. From 2010 – 2016, David Raley was the professional huntsman and continued the focus on Penn-Marydel breeding & training. In 2016, Lincoln Sadler assumed the professional huntsman’s position.
946A Sheldon Rd. Southern Pines, NC 28387
Kennel Location
How to Hunt with MCH
We are a Private Pack
Those who are invited to hunt should feel an obligation to financially support the hounds.
Prior to riding with us, each person must have completed the following:
- Acknowledge your intention to hunt by acceptance of the invitation to hunt in writing for the current season.
- Complete and send to the Secretary, the current season’s Release of Liability Waiver including parental waiver for all juniors.
- Purchase a current North Carolina Hunting License and a North Carolina Game- lands stamp if you plan to hunt in Hoffman. The Lifetime NC Hunting License is a great option and saves you time and money if you plan to hunt long term.
- A current negative Coggins for each horse is required.
New Invitations
We are a private pack. No one may hunt with Moore County Hounds without a written invitation, which is sent each year by the Masters.
Guests (of Regular Members)
- Friends and family are welcome with Masters' permission prior to meet.
- Guests must have signed Liability Release.
- Introduce your guest to the Masters at the meet.
Capping Fees
*Subject to change without prior notice*
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Formal Season $100
Limited to 3 meets per season. Must be accompanied by Host/Hostess.
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Fall Hunting $60
Limited to 3 meets per season. Must be accompanied by Host/Hostess.
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Juniors $0
No meet limit. Must be under adult supervision. Must have liability release signed by legal guardian.
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Active Duty Military $0
No meet limit.
Roading (Hound Exercise)
No one without an invitation from the previous season may ride with the hounds during Roading. Guests are permitted as long as they are accompanied by a member.
Hunting Season
Our Hunting Season begins in informal dress, “Ratcatcher”, in October with Fall Hunting. Opening Meet is held on Thanksgiving Day at Lyell’s Meadow. Meets are on the Fixture card, which is mailed out with invitations and a second Fixture Card is mailed out mid-season. Bye day information is on the Hunt recorder and dress is Ratcatcher attire.
Fixture Card
Meet Location
Check your fixture card and hunt recorder for final locations.
- Walthour Moss Foundation: Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays | Junior Hunts (Holiday Season)
- Hoffman: Mondays & Bye Days
Attire
- After Opening Hunt: Formal
- Mondays & Bye Days: Ratctcher
- Domaine de la Coharie: Ratcatcher
In case of severe heat (<60*) or cold (>25*):
Call the recorder (910) 639-7121 for dress and possible start time delays.
Hunting Customs & Etiquette
Field Riding Etiquette
Absolutely no Smoking or Drinking is Permitted
Riding etiquette is determined in large part due to the type of terrain over which the Moore county Hounds ride.
- Riders with MCH Colors, who are jumping, ride in the first or second flight behind the Field Master. Do not go around the jumps in the first flight and only jump when the Field Master chooses to do so. If your horse refuses or misbehaves, wait until the entire jumping field has passed before attempting to jump again.Rejoin the field at the rear. Please do not ride past everyone to get back to the front.
- Riders without MCH Colors, who are jumping, ride behind riders with colors, unless invited to do otherwise.
- Riders who are not jumping ride at the rear of the Second Flight or with the Hill Toppers
- NO ONE IS PERMITTED TO TAKE HIS/HER LINE AT ANY TIME.
Riding & Horses
- Keep a safe distance from the horse in front. If the field stops after a fence, wait un til there is a safe distance before jumping.
- Do not allow your horse to “nose” or touch another horse in the field, at the Meet or at a Check.
- If you fall, or in some other way cannot continue, go to the rear of your field when you have corrected the problem. Do not return to your former place by passing riders who are now in front. This applies to the Hill Toppers field as well as the First Field. If you are late to the Meet, stay at the rear of the Field.
- Show respect to all our landowners. Report any damage done to the land or to the fences immediately to the Masters.
- If your horse has ever kicked another horse in the Field or, if you think that your horse might kick, it is mandatory that a red ribbon be placed prominently in the tail.
- Do not gallop or move past the horse in front of you without their knowledge and permission before passing.
- Notify the Masters of any and all problems.
- Cell phones should be turned off and only used in an emergency.
- Please keep conversation at a minimum when hounds are drawing or being called in.
- HOUNDS ALWAYS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY.
Hounds & Staff
- When arriving at the Meet, say “Good Morning” to the Masters. At the end of the day say “Good Night” to the Masters and Staff.
- Do not “coffeehouse” with the Staff at the meet. Never ride between the Huntsman, Staff and Hounds.
- When the Masters, Huntsman or Staff must pass through the field, you will be directed to:
• Step off the trail and turn your horse’s head to the Staff.
• When it is not possible to get off trail, walk forward steadily. Do Not Stop as you pass those going the other way. Turn and follow, only when you have plenty of room. - Do not allow your horse to step on or kick a hound. Any horse that kicks at hounds will be asked to leave the field. Please advise the Masters when the hound is hurt or kicked.
Volunteers
Help with our numerous fundraising & maintenance activities
- Bushwacking (early fall/year round)
- Fall Hunt Clinic (September)
- Fall Party and Puppy Calcutta (October)
- Hunter Pace (November)
- Hunt Ball (January or February)
- Hunter Trials (March)
- MCH Puppy Show (TBD)
