FOX hunters claimed more than 300,000 people turned up at their traditional Boxing Day hunts, saying this was evidence of growing public support.
And the turnout, it is said, shows a ground-swell of backing for their campaign to repeal the law banning hunting with hounds, passed by the Commons four years ago in England and Wales.
The law made hunting with dogs a criminal offence, although exercising hounds, chasing a scent trail and flushing out foxes to be shot are all still legal.
In Huddersfield about 70 members of the Rockwood Hunt rode out from The George in Upper Denby, keeping alive a tradition dating back well over as century.
And the huntsmen were followed by dozens of people on foot.
A hunt spokesman said: “We had a great day and it shows people still support the hunts”.
Tim Bonner, spokesman for the Countryside Alliance, leading the campaign to change the law, said: “There seems to be a very large turnout at all the meets. It is a very positive feeling across the country.”
