Beagling
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Beagling is the hunting of hares with hounds. It has been referred to as "the poor person's fox hunting", as a beagle pack (30-40 hounds) is followed on foot, not horseback. Equally true, beagling is often enjoyed by 'retired' fox hunters who have either sustained too many injuries or have lost the agility to ride horseback and simply enjoy the outdoors and the camaraderie of the hunt.
When Beagling, the usual quarry is the hare. Beagles are admired by some for their "music" which they emit when in full pursuit. Beagling, like fox hunting, is banned in England and Wales.
Hunts are managed very similarly to fox hunting packs - generally governed by one or more Masters, who typically take much of the financial responsibility for the overall magagement of the hunt. Hunts typically employ a huntsman who is responsible (in conjunction with assistants, known as "whippers-in" or "whips") for directing the hounds in the course of a hunt.
Some parliamentary systems (including the Westminster system and the Congress of the United States) have adopted the term "whip" to describe a member of parliament nominated by his or her party to enforce party discipline and ensure the attendance of other members at important votes.
