Metamora Hunt
Fox Hunting
began in the Detroit Area with the formation of the Grosse
Pointe Hunt Club in 1911. As fox hunting waned in Grosse
Pointe a number of their members joined with a group in
Bloomfield to hunt more open land. In the fall of 1914 these
gentlemen founded the Bloomfield Open Hunt in Bloomfield
Hills, Michigan.
Up to 1919 the Bloomfield Open Hunt was a drag hunt, but in
1920, the members decided it was better to hunt live foxes.
By the late 1920's, housing and industry in Bloomfield Hills
was replacing farms and they began to look toward Metamora
to expand their hunt territory.
Between the Grosse Pointe Hunt and the Bloomfield Open Hunt
there were enough interested people to consider developing
countryside primarily for this sport, well beyond the limits
of suburban growth. After checking several areas, Metamora
was selected. It was accessible, scenic, provided plenty of
natural cover, and there was enough land available. Enough
land was purchased in the proposed area to assure success of
the venture.
On January 6, 1928, the Metamora Hunt was organized.
The Metamora Hunt is still as exciting and challenging as it
was when founded in 1928. Membership includes local
landowners, as well as those who travel some distance to
"follow the hounds". Hounds and riders go out twice weekly
Wednesdays and Saturdays from August through March. Formal
seasons starts with opening day, usually in late September .
In June the Metamora Hunt hosts an A rated horse show and on
the Saturday of the show, a special landowners' picnic is
held to thank all of the landowners, as it is through their
generosity that the Metamora Hunt exists today.
What is Metamora Hunt?
The Metamora
Hunt is a group of people dedicated to preserving the beauty
and traditions of foxhunting in the Metamora Countryside.
Some are landowners; some are not. They enjoy horses,
hounds, riding and the special wild, unspoiled character of
this area.
What does the Hunt do? Is it a blood sport?
From August
to January, we go out every Wednesday and Saturday. We use a
pack of about 50 Crossbred and English foxhounds to hunt red
or gray fox, and lately coyote. Is this unfair to the fox -
50 trained hounds to one little fox? Hardly! The fox is a
clever and intelligent animal. He has many tricks to cover
his scent trail, and when he is closely pursued, he has only
to seek out one of the many holes he knows and pop out of
sight. We don't kill foxes; our joy is in the pursuit.
Actually, many foxes seem to enjoy the hunt once they figure
it out. Many give us a great run even when they don't have
to! The fox population is actually higher in our hunt
country because of the wildlife habit preservation the Hunt
sees to. A healthy wildlife population and suitable habitat
enhance not only hunting, but also all other outdoor
pursuits, and the general quality of life in the area.
4010 S. Main St.▲
Metamora▲MI▲48455▲Phone
810-678-3537
877-311-3537▲Fax 810-678-8023
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