A CROWD of more than 300 attended the traditional Rockwood Harriers Boxing Day hunt in Upper Denby.
The traditional St Stephen's day outing boasted 80 people on horses with a throng more than 200-strong on foot.
The hunt used a pack of 15 and a half couple, or 31, hounds.
Master of the hunt, Christine Gallagher, said despite changes to hunting law the day was still special.
She added: "We are laying trails and will lay three or four.
"A trail can last for a mile or a mile-and-a-half and we lay it from the back of a quad bike.
"We use our own mixture we concocted and the hounds follow the scent.
"Now instead of a kill at the end of the trail we provide meat for the dogs.
"We have done this a number of times and the hounds know they will get fresh meat, so they really race."
The Rockwood Harriers were established in 1868 by Walter Norton of Denby Dale.
They presently trail-hunt the West Yorkshire area with some land on the Eastern side on loan from the Badsworth Hunt.
Hunters dress in the traditional harrier colour of hunting green with members wearing an `old gold collar' exclusive to this hunt.
Mrs Gallagher said the Boxing Day hunt was always very well attended.
She added: "It is a fantastic day which always has a special atmosphere. You get people who have no opinions about hunting either way coming along to see and take part in a very traditional event and helping to keep that tradition alive."
The hunt currently has 27 and a half couple of hounds, which is 55, at the Blacker Farm Kennels in Emley.
Mrs Gallagher said: "It is a lovely day and a lovely tradition.
"Everyone has a great time, and although the rules on hunting have changed, we have not been affected that much.
"We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who comes and supports the hunt and helps keep this wonderful countryside traditional alive."
