Founded in 1940 and recognized by the MFHA in 1966, Bedford County Hunt’s territory extends from from Amherst County through Bedford County and south through Pittsylvania County to the Bannister River. Our current huntsman is Libby Gilbert. We invite you to join us to hunt, take part in our horse shows and hunter paces, or join us at another event!
The Bedford County Hunt hunting territory is primarily Bedford County through to Amherst County which also includes Pittsylvania County south to the Bannister River. The territory is composed of woodlands, mountains and rolling terrain. Jumps are post and rail, coops and natural obstacles. Without the consent and goodwill of area landowners BCH could not exist.
About Us
Season
The Bedford County Hunt season begins on September 1st and lasts through late March. September and October are cubbing and informal. Formal season begins the first of November. Meets are held every Wednesday and Saturday unless otherwise scheduled, and weather permitting. For hunting updates and cancellations, phone the Field Secretary Mrs. R. Crofton Held at 540-598-0994.
History
The Bedford County Hunt was organized in 1940, but the roots of foxhunting in the Lynchburg area go back to 1887 when the club was organized under the name of Oak Ridge Hunt Club. BCH was inactive during the WWII years but was re-activated in 1946. It was not until 1966 that a controlled pack of hounds was developed by Huntsman Claire Mansfield Noyes and the pack was recognized by the MFHA. From 1972 until 2013, professional huntsman William R. (Bill) King hunted the hounds. Beginning with the 2014-2015 season, the horn was passed to professional huntsman Dennis Downing, then to Huntsman Larry Pitts in 2015.
Quarry
Red and Grey Fox, occasionally coyote
Hounds
The Penn-Marydel is a strain of American hounds bred for hunting in the farmland and woodlands of the Pennsylvania-Maryland-Delaware Area, hence their name. Penn-Marydels have a wonderful deep voice and excellent cold trailing ability, able to perform well in tighter, less open terrain. Although somewhat slower than the English and American Foxhounds, they possess sharp noses, great perseverance and incredible endurance, giving them the ability to find and hold a fox for hours. This makes them ideal for hunting the hills and thick woodland prevalent in Bedford County. Their voice is also a delight to hear and enables the followers to know where they are even in wooded country.
See the MFHA website to see a list of the Bedford County hounds and their pedigrees: Bedford County Hounds.
Colors
The colors of the Bedford County Hunt are gold and brown. Hunt Colors are awarded annually by the Bedford County Hunt Masters of Foxhounds to members who hunt regularly and have demonstrated that they are an asset to the club.
Our Members
President: Heidi O’Connor; Vice President: Patricia Held; Secretary: Deborah Foster; Treasurer: Karen Martin; Members at Large: Kathy Boone, Dana Harlor
Board of Managers
Clothing/Promotions: Cindy Benedetto; E-News: Holly Adams; Facebook/Instagram: Kindra Kenny; Field Secretary: Patricia Held; Hunter Paces: Tammy Nichols; Mailing Lists: Susan Funk (E-Mail), Holly Adams (Data Bases); Patricia Held; Membership/Directory: Patricia Held, Heidi O’Connor; Social Committee: Bambi Lichford, Mena Hughes; Sponsorships: Mary Kay Sustek; Trail Clearing: Richard D. Long; Trail Rides: Dana Harlor; Web Page: Justine Betzler
Committee Chairs
G. Daniel Jones, Richard D. Long
Honorary Whippers-In
Med Long, Larry Pitts
Masters of Foxhounds
Elizabeth Gilbert
Huntsman
Bedford County Hunt Club 