Old Sweetwater

Old Sweetwater

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Fox Hunting? Really?

A friend's parents owned a fox hunt-fox run farm. My honey and I were invited to witness a fox run so we drove the 12 hours to experience something new. We weren't going to hunt, just observe.  It was not what I expected. No-sirree-bob. 
We arrived with our host to see 8 other "good ol' boys" sitting around a campfire in their camouflage; their dogs off somewhere barking. They had one of those portable deep fryers going.  I was politely offered a lawn chair and then a fare of bread, coffee, fried chicken, fried potatoes, boiled corn on the cob and fried squirrel...WHAT?  Yes, squirrel. "Wasn't this a FOX hunt?" Then I noticed the old pickup still *fresh* with the day's killing food on the tailgate. My stomach lurched, but not wanting to appear *snooty* I accepted the chicken knowing it had been fried with the filthy rodent squirrel....besides they had rifles nearby.  
It was great chicken and thank the Lord we didn't get sick later. Has anyone eaten squirrel or been on a REAL fox hunt?
I was expecting hunters on horses not hunters with horsepower. I was expected cozy as in the bed, not cozy "campin' far" (camping fire). I pictured a proper English meal, not meal on wheels! "What about the poor foxes?" you may ask.....oh, they were perfectly safe!
 






37 comments:

Tanna said...

LOL! Oh, Janean, this post is hilarious!! So sorry you were disappointed with your "fox" hunt! Can't say as how I have ever attended one, but I have had fried squirrel... once. Thought it was pretty tasty... like chicken. LOL! Have a great day!

Jojo said...

Janean, That is hilarious and frankly it sounds like those guys could be some of my cousins on my Dad's side of the family! While we were on a visit a few years back, one of the cousin's arrived at 9 a.m. having just returned from an early morning squirrel hunt. As he came through the door of my uncle's house he was making all kinds of noise about how many squirrel he killed (and were on his truck waiting to be skinned). He must have seen from my facial expression that I was disgusted. That's when he said, "What ahhre ya? One a them thar veggietarianns?" It was all I could do to not laugh! As you pointed out, these guys carry guns!

Sounds as if you were charming and gracious about the circumstances but what a great story!!!

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Janean, cracking UP! It sounds like you might have stumbled into my neck of the woods! Yikes! I am happy to hear the little foxes were safe, tho.
Xoxo
Robin

Susan said...

Dear Janean,
I just LOVE your blog! You bring a smile to my face everytime I visit! I know a woman who hunts and eats squirrel. I've never tried it myself. The thought does make my stomach lurch a bit! But I say, "Good for you!" You've added an experience to your life that most of us haven't!
Blessings!

Cindy said...

What a hoot! I've never been on a fox hunt but I have tasted squirrel because my dad was a hunter and he'd bring home squirrel sometimes when I was a kid. I don't remember having it more than a couple of times in my childhood though and I don't remember how it tasted so it must have been like chicken or something! lol

Kom Achterom said...

What a experiance! I have never hunting but my daugter learns for forrester and She is going to hunt.
What a beautiful photo from the fox
I wish you a verry nice day
Yolanda

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

I lived in Mississippi briefly and have never forgotten how excited some friends were when they were going to have a squirrel fry... yuck.

Kom Achterom said...

What a experiance!! I never going hunting, but my daughter she learns for forrester.
so nice your photo's
i wish you a verry nice day
Yolanda

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Oh my! Sounds more like 'goin' squirrel huntin'! heehee! My Dad hunted when I was growing up...in the woods of Arkansas. I ate a few bites of fried squirrel one time! Tastes like chicken? I don't think so! lol I'm glad you survived....and got some great photos, too! heehee! Well....you had a new experience ..one you won't forget! I say that alone was worth the drive! ♥

Deb said...

funny story...never had fried squirell..don't think I want to either...cute little fox..

Cindy said...

Oh my..squirrel..tacos..burritos
enchiladas..stews..omlettes..anything you can do with chicken..you can do with squirrel. I grew up having to eat this stuff.Im with you..yuck!!!!There is a certain time of the year for killing them. You never kill them in the Spring..because of the little ones.For me..I pop them with a bebe gun to keep them out of my flower beds..the little suckers can eat ny bulbs so fast...and they strip my pecan trees. I know I am mean..lol

Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

Becky Garrison said...

Oh, Janean, how FUNNY!!! You see, fox hunting has special memories for me!

My grandfather (my dad's dad) was a fox hunter extraordinaire! He had a passel of hounds, loved them dearly, and he hunted them as often as he could. He and his buddies would go put their dogs out, build a fire, put a pot of coffee on the fire, and sit and listen most of the night. Occasionally I would get to go with them, and I would sit in his lap, or at his feet, and he would say "Now that right there is ol' Trudy. And you hear how deep that bark is? Well, that's Jip." He knew each dog by it's bark, and could tell where they were and if they were on the trail of a fox.

I remember he would always take me a thermos of hot chocolate (the real thing, none of that mix stuff) and I would sit in his lap until I went to sleep. Then he would lay me in the back seat of his old car and cover me with a scratchy wool army blanket. Next thing I knew I woke up at home in my bed.

I never saw any of the less savory parts of fox hunting - instead, it was magical to me!

Dolores said...

Never have and never will eat squirrel. Probably taste like chicken, that's what everyone says about anything we haven't eaten before........

The little fox is so cute, hopefully he was safe.

No fox hunt for me......I'll take room service.
Hugs,

Farm Girl said...

Oh my Gosh, that is so funny. Deep fried squirrel, at least you were able to eat. I thought you were going to say you went out riding a great horse all dressed up and riding side saddle, dressed say like Vivien Leigh wearing a great hat. Did know it was going to be in a pickup with the " guys" You are a sport.
To tell you the truth, my great, great, great grandmother loved squirrel and my grandmother told me they would go out into the woods and shoot them so she could eat their brains. It was her favorite food. Always made me sick, that might be why I still remember it so clearly.
Thanks Janean, that was a really good story.

Blondie's Journal said...

oooooh! Fried squirrel. As pesky as they are, I couldn't imagine frying one! Glad the foxes are safe and sound!

xoxo
Jane

Kritter Keeper at Farm Tails said...

i was so excited to see this post but a bit disappointed that is wasn't the real thing...just like you! lol...oh well, it takes all kinds...and no, i would never eat either. i don't think hunting and killing with dogs is fair but that is just me!

FairfieldHouse said...

Janean,

I choked on my coffee reading this post. I could just see you prepared for a Fox Hunt on the English countryside (dressed in jophers, riding boots and hard hat) only to be offered a folding chair and plate of fried squirrel.

Your Friend,
Deborah

Danielle and Clint said...

My parents actually own a fox hound! So now, naturally, we are addicted to paintings of fox hunts.

Anonymous said...

Never been so lucky to experience a Fox Hunt - all the hunting I've ever done was hunting deer and once was enough. When you said fox hunt my mind went to movies I've seen and stories I've read. But then you finished telling your event and I had to giggle -- how I would have loved to see you all dressed up alone with the men dressed to the 9's and riding their horses with all the excitment around -- I even could dream of sleeping in the bedroom of number 3 photo.. But I have NOT tasted squirrel - nor do I want to..

It's me said...

Once we have a golden retriever his name was Murdock he was on hunting training....................so nice to learn that a dog.............nice pictures !!!! ............happy day darling....love Ria...

NanaDiana said...

LOL-Well, I suppose you were expecting a spot 'o tea and a crumpet then? LOL There is just something kind of last generation romantic about a fox hunt, isn't there? Except...dear me....I could never bear to see them actually corner a fox and shoot him. And, as for the squirrel? Well, I would rather FEED them than EAT them...but that is just me. Thank God they weren't woodchuck hunting! Diana

Suz said...

Oh dear, I must be the only boo at the party...I detest hunting
nothing funny about hunting down some beautiful animal for sport.
But that is just stick in the mud me
and I appreciate your comments about my poem..did you notice how many totally missed it was about termination..but found something else in my words..is that a good thing...I'm not sure
but I too cried when I wrote it

love ya janean

Tracy F. said...

This post is hilarious! My favorite laugh of the day...
I've never been to a fox hunt or eaten squirrel---and never plan to. I would have pictured a fox hunt exactly as you did!

Pondside said...

More than 30 years ago we lived in hunting country just off the Main Line in PA. I'll never forget my horror, one day, to hear thundering hoofs and to see an entire hunt go through my back yard. We lived in a gatehouse on an estate and the landlord was a member of the hunt, but had failed to mention the small matter of the hunt going through. It was amazing!

Gloria said...

Tee hee!! :) cute story. You sounded like you were a very polite lady though, and such a good sport about the whole fox hunting ordeal!
That little fox is so adorable!! He kind of looks like our little dog, Rocky! :)

Technodoll said...

I'm sorry but...

Bouahahahahhaaaa!

Best! Post! Evar! :-D

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Janean,

What a sweet post and made me laugh.
Glad that you had the choice of chicken over squirrel, and that you did not get sick.
I would have thought a hunt, like the English hunts too.
Love the cute little fox.

Happy weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

Kerrie said...

LOL! Great post, just love it! I saw a squirrel skinned and soaking in salt water in W.Va. once. Pretty pitiful! I could never eat one. hugs,K

Barb said...

What a hoot!! Personally, I would never go on a fox hunt . . . poor little things :0( But, I am a hunter! I have certainly eaten my share of elk, deer and moose, but, never squirrel. Although my ex-brother-in-law once ate ground squirrel, yuck! And, my husband does dress in camo to go hunting . . . am I a red-neck? Hummmmm . . . maybe?!

I'm so glad you survived it - it sounds like a party! And, the campfire looks very inviting :0)

Hugs,
Barb

Nancy said...

You got gyped. Didn't even get to hear the tally-ho alarm. The food sounds awful. It least the foxes did well.

Sylvia said...

Hello Janean,
Fox hunting is really imposing with those hunters on horses and dogs barking, but as an animal lover I think it's cruel.
Glad those foxes were safe !
I've never eaten squirrel and I think I couldn't.
Nice Sunday,
Sylvia

Sue said...

This is so funny Janean,
When you first said fox hunt, I was thinking "OH! so prim and proper, this will suit Janean perfectly," what a great trip." I have never eaten squirrel, but know some who have, lol. I prefer chicken too, though those who have eaten squirrel say it tastes just like chicken. So my question to you is.. Are you sure it was chicken ? lol.
Loved this post.

Thank you for visiting me and for taking the time to leave me such sweet comment.
hugs,
Sue

Linda said...

How fun is this! :o) I adore your photo presentation.

kimsound studios said...

Janean, what a great story! Funny how the fox hunt was actually interperted ~ wasn't fun at the time, but boy it's funny now ~

love you,
Kimmie

PCovi said...

I love your tongue in cheek humor!
:)

Chatty Crone said...

Okay now we caught a squirrel in the attic - but I sure wouldn't want to eat him! You are so funny.

Sandie

Chatty Crone said...

Okay now we caught a squirrel in the attic - but I sure wouldn't want to eat him! You are so funny.

Sandie