AROUND 100 spectators turned out to see 36 riders of the historic Cheshire Forest Hunt ride out on Saturday in the first new season since new hunting laws came into force.
Hunt enthusiasts claimed the day as a success as dozens of hunts took place across the country in spite of the ban.
Thousands of fox-hunting supporters gathered for opening meets up and down the country, pledging to continue their traditions.
The Hunting Act, which took effect in February, means that hunting foxes with dogs is illegal, but hounds are allowed to follow a scent and can be used to flush out a fox.
A fox can then legally be killed by a bird of prey or shot if only two dogs are involved.
In Cheshire an eight-month-old Harris hawk was present, as part of attempts to avoid the hunting ban.
Cheshire Forest Hunt joint master Peter Heaton said: "Part of the legislation exemptions is that you can use an unlimited number of hounds to flush for an unspecified mammal, which would include a bird of prey.
"The hounds are not hunting, but they are flushing for the hawk to hunt. It is one of the ways we are testing the legislation."
Joint master Richard de Prez, also of Cheshire Forest, said the hunt, which was following a trail laid down by a man, did not intend to break the law.
He said: "It's not the same thing for traditionalists like me but the younger brigade may take to it more."
He said anti-hunting representatives were welcome to monitor the hunt.
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