Spring Valley Hounds was established in New Jersey in 1915 by Seth Thomas, the renowned clockmaker. Originally a harrier hunt, later a fox hunt, it is now a ‘drag’ hunt. Live quarry is never hunted; contrived scent is used, with the drag laid by dripping the scent the morning of the hunt. The hounds open when they encounter the line and follow the line of scent. The hunting territory is located in Sussex and Warren counties in northwestern New Jersey. The season is from September through January 1st.  We hunt on Wednesdays, Saturdays and certain holidays.

Read about us in The New York Times-

http://travel.nytimes.com/2006/12/08/travel/escapes/08adventurer.html#

SVH is a drag and I don't mean a bore,
Count the hounds as a pack by couples galore.
The hounds not the dogs are entered when young.
They've run on the line in full cry when they've sung.
The males are dog hounds and the females are bitches,
It's the stern not the tail that feathers when it switches.
Pack up means to hounds to close ranks on the double,
If they tail line or riot, whipper-Ins will make trouble.
The woods are the covert. the earths by dirt mounds.
But our two legged fox never goes to ground
Not the cane but the Staff are those in command.
When the Master moves off, the Hunt is at hand.
Field Master goes first. then collars of claret,
Please follow his line like a faithful old parrot.
Talk only in whispers as they draw the first field.
Don't crowd at the fences, refusers please yield.
Don't ever cross panel, or ride like "Lone Ranger".
A lawn is a "no no", a cur dog a stranger.
Field keep to the headlands, when planted or mud.
Lest your hunting career should be nipped in the bud.
Now Hunters remember your wallets to bring,
'Case you bust up some wood just doing your thing.
Ware hole or hound please is a kind word to warn;
Master fetches his hounds by blowing his horn.
A cap is a fee in the Secretary's hand.
Always ride with great thought, you are guests on the land.
Colors are awarded to those who are termed
As mannerly and able. they truly are earned.
If you know all these facts you'll be right in the clear.
Tally-Ho all you thrusters, have a jolly good year.

Anonymous