Victory! It’s All Over For The Oakley Hunt

Beds & Bucks Hunt Sabs speak to the HSA about developments at the Oakley hunt.

We have been reliably informed, from several independent sources, that the Oakley hunt will fold at the end of this season.

A massive drop in subscriptions, no new Masters, lack of country and the sacking of their hunt staff means they are unable to remain viable. This brings to a close 10 years of concentrated efforts against our local wildlife abusers and once again proves that concerted hunt saboteur activity can have a huge effect on individual hunts and hunting with hounds as a whole.

The hunt is likely to claim this is merely a blip – a chance to regroup – and there may still be some social events held in their name, but the fact remains there will no longer be foxhounds rampaging around and terrorizing wildlife in our patch of country. We’re told that the North Bucks Beagles will remain kennelled at the same location.

The Oakley date back to 1814 and are steeped in aristocratic history with the Marquess of Tavistock as a Master and their first permanent residence was with the Duke of Bedford.

When we started sabbing them back in 2014/15 they would regularly have attendances for their opening meets into the hundreds with foot support to match. We’ve faced significant challenges and violence since then but stayed true to our course and wore them down over time.

Many huntsman came and went, with most only lasting a couple of seasons. Several threatened to sort us out but their words were empty as we were never going to back down. Since the start of our campaign, we’ve had Bill “Mutton Chops” Bishop, “Calamity” Jack Harris, Simon “Shaky” Hand, “Half-a-Pack” Harry Beeby and finally (TK) Maxx Logan.

It’s also a sad fact for the Oakley that – despite extensive discussions – no other local hunt was prepared to consider a merger. This is a further reflection on their failing status within the local hunting community and a wider failure for the British Hound Sports Association who are nothing more than a pointlessly rebranded Hunting Office.

Thanks to the other groups who assisted us at various times over the years, and of course to the HSA, plus the locals who stood up to them and spoke out. Finally, thank you to everyone who donated, we can’t do what we do without your support.

And in the unlikely event that the hunt tries to reform, or visiting packs fancy the country – we’ll be waiting for them!

Thanks to Beds & Bucks Hunt Sabs for this web post,
you can support them here.

Find out how you can get involved with our campaign to strengthen the Hunting Ban here.