Our pack and Roger Palmer

The Berks and Bucks Draghounds are a registered pack of draghounds affiliated with the Masters of Draghounds and Bloodhounds Association (MDBA). We maintain our own pack of hounds and hunt throughout the season, following  a pre-laid artificial scent.

The Berks and Bucks Draghounds were founded in 1974 by the late Roger Palmer. Roger’s love of draghunting began at university, where he rode with the Cambridge Drag. Such was his enthusiasm that, on his first day as whipper-in, he was reputed to have fallen off at every jump.

Roger was involved in every aspect of the Berks and Bucks Draghounds and had a particular love for the drive, scenting ability and music of the pack. As huntsman, he knew the character and qualities of every individual hound and became a highly knowledgeable and successful breeder.

Like many devoted field sportsmen, Roger was also passionate about the conservation of the countryside and the preservation of country life. As chairman of the Country Sports and Conservation area at the Royal County of Berkshire Show in Newbury, he championed traditional rural skills and pursuits including fly-fishing, dry-stone walling and hound demonstrations.

He was a man of enormous energy and determination, if occasionally a little impatient with those who struggled to keep up with his pace. Alongside the hunting itself, he found time to organise draghunt balls, point-to-points and sponsored rides in support of the Berks and Bucks Draghounds. On one memorable occasion, he narrowly avoided crashing his car while attempting to change from his shoes into riding boots at the wheel.

TODAY

Today, the Berks and Bucks are instantly recognisable for our striking black and tan hounds. The pack originates from Dumfriesshire hounds and has been carefully bred and developed over more than 50 years specifically for draghunting and following a laid scent.

We are equally well known for providing exciting, flowing country and inviting fences, while wherever possible offering easier alternatives. This allows experienced hunt riders to enjoy a fast and exhilarating day while making our meets welcoming and accessible to those who may prefer a less demanding route.

At the heart of the Berks and Bucks Draghounds remains the same combination of hounds, horses, countryside and community that has defined the pack for more than half a century.

BERKS AND BUCKS COUNTRY

Our country covers Berkshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire all easily accessible from the A34, M3 and M4 motorways.