Spring and Fall Fox Hunts

 “Release the Hounds!”

The fox hunt is a biannual event that takes place at various national campgrounds, and one of our most publicized events.  Our fox hunts involve 1-5 foxes attempting to run from our puppies, who track them and alert pony-rider teams when a fox is cornered or captured.  We have been mentioned on Wikipedia and on the television show Weird Threads:

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EVENT DESCRIPTION AND RULES

We have 0 confirmed foxes for the event.  If you wish to be a fox, please contact us.

The foxes are released from their “den” at 11:30 and given a 10 to 20 minutes head-start.  They may go in any direction they like.  Each fox has flags, representing scent; they must place the flags as they run.  Each flag must be visible from another nearby flag.  Foxes may double back, plant false trails, climb trees, hide, wait, cross streams, or do any other activity a fox would so long as they leave a clear trail for the dogs to follow.

The hounds follow the scent and alert the humans by barking.  The ponies and “riders” follow the dogs.  All humans will have hunting horns to call dogs to them if they spot a fox.  If captured (tagged, pinned, or cornered by a hound), the fox will then be de-tailed by a human hunter.

Being a social event, the hunt is followed by a pot luck dinner and toast.

Because this is a public event, please make sure all pink bits are covered; dress should be relatively family friendly.

Spectators are welcome to follow the Hunt and partake in the Feast; everyone is required to bring a potluck item.

We always leave our campsite in better condition than when we arrived.  We will not tolerate littering.

Be prepared!  Always bring more water than you need, emergency supplies, toilet paper, and bug spray.  It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it!

 

The Spring Fox Hunt

**The Spring 2022 Fox Hunt is Saturday, April 30**

We typically hold the Spring Fox Hunt at Middle Lion Campground in the Los Padres National Forest (about thirty miles north of Ojai) on the last Saturday in April, with camping throughout the weekend.

You must have a Golden Age.Golden Access Pass or Parks management Day Use Pass to park your car at Middle Lion campground or camp.   The Pass must be displayed on visitors’ vehicles wind shield.  We have reserved all the reservable campsites, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, and 07.  Campsite 1 and 8 are first come, first served.  While tent camping is best enjoyed in this cozy campground, there is room for RVs under 20 feet.  Tables and fire rings are provided at each camp site.  

Please note that Ojai does have rattlesnakes, so please exercise caution when camping, hiking, and hunting!

 

Directions to MiddleLion from the 101 Freeway take the 33 North.  Follow Highway 33 north of Ojai for 14.7 miles to the Rose Valley Road turnoff (6N31) which is at mile marker 25.84. Turn right and follow the paved road 4.8 miles. Turn right and go 0.8 miles to Middle Lion Campground. The elevation is 3250 feet. Watch out for the rough sections of road.

The Fall Fox Hunt

**The Fall 2022 Fox Hunt is Saturday,

October 1st**

We have reserved The Rose Valley Campground, Loop 1, Campsite 002, 003, 004, and 005 for Friday night September 30th and Saturday night October 1st.  There are 3 additional Walk-In sites.

Overview

Break free from reality and take a scenic cruise along fabulous Highway 33 for a short drive from Ojai to Rose Valley Campground and Day Use Area. Whether you’re day-tripping or camping, you can explore the running creek, visit the waterfalls, take a dip and hike the nearby trails and enjoy the local wildlife. Wildflowers and shady areas under cottonwood trees invite you to indulge in a rejuvenating nap. Removed just far enough from civilization, the night sky here is fantastic, especially when gazing north, a perfect place to view meteor showers, satellites, comets and other celestial phenomenon.
 

Facilities

Rose Valley Campground has nine campsites. The campsites are very spacious, level, well-marked and well equipped with a picnic table, fire pit and/or a separate BBQ. There are enclosed trash receptacles around the park and an unlit single pit style toilet. There is no drinking water at this site; you must bring your own water.
 

Natural Features

Rose Valley Campground is the entry point to the legendary Rose Valley Falls, a magnificent two-tier 300-foot waterfall located on the west end of the Topatopa Mountains in Los Padres National Forest. If you are lucky, you may see coyotes, deer, bobcats, mountain lions or bears, which all live in this area. Frogs and toads, or ducks swimming on the lake, are a frequent sight as are red-tailed hawks soaring high above. Vegetation includes chamise, sage and toyon; toyon is especially beautiful in the fall and winter with its bright red berries. This area is amazing during the fall; as the trees change, you will find yourself luxuriously encased by vibrant colors. 

 

Schedule for The Fox Hunt Day Event:

Check-in for participants is at 10 am sharp on Saturday.  At 11 am we have our “Stirrup Cup:” the traditional toast to begin the festivities.  The hunt begins at 11:30 am, and usually lasts 1-2 hours, with a potluck feast to follow.

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