Fishing, Falconry, Canine Coursing - HUZZAH!
Runa Harasdottir just took over Hunt Guild. M'lady has AKC certification and has been teaching Falconry and Coursing Classes under the Hunt Guild for a while, but is preparing to have larger coursing events with lots of participants. Expect to see some great things at Grand Thing and Stormgods.
Nearly everyone in ages past participated in some form of hunting, fishing, hawking, etc. so just because you've never tracked a boar, cast a fly, or released a hound, doesn't mean your persona can't have that knowledge. This is something new, fun and spectaclular - JUMP IN, curious ones! Dog barding is a lot of fun for dogs as well as owners. Ask Runa about her super ideas for hunt-related kids activities!
Like animals? You'll love Hunt Guild. Hunt Guild runs demos, classes and competitions for falconry, dog coursing, fishing, snares, "hunting" for truffles and critters (no-kill) and more. The activities offered by Hunt Guild are only limited by the amount of populace support and interest received.
You may not have time and space for a hawk; you may not have a noble greyhound, but you probably haven't done a lot of pillaging, either. Exploring the hunter/trapper/angler in your person is an excellent way to inspire an Art & Science project and adds new depth to your persona. Check on the Book of Faces at facebook.com/ groups/HuntGuild/ or go to The Stream on Yahoo Groups to find out more about Hunt Guild activities you can help shape and participate in.
Dogs - The Royal Hunt
"Hunting dogs were bred primarily to work with people to hunt animals, fish and birds. Sighthounds specialised in hunting their quarry by sight rather than scent. Scent Hounds specialised in following the scent or the smell of its quarry. Hunting Dogs which relied strongly on the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses."
'Before the 11th century, greyhound coursing was very popular in Britain both among the wealthy as well as among common people. Much to the discontent of the lower stratum of society, king William the Conqueror enacted the Forest Laws in 11th century which made hunting exclusively kingly pastime. Only the aristocracy and clergy were allowed to hunt with the trained greyhounds and enjoy the activity at will.'
Falconry - Sport of Queens
"The falcon was held in such respect that their utensils, trappings, or feeding dishes were never used for other birds. The glove on which they were accustomed to alight was frequently elaborately embroidered in gold, and was never used except for birds of their own species.
Each bird wore on his legs two little bells with his owner's crest upon them; the noise made by these was very distinct, and could be heard even when the bird was too high in the air to be seen, for they were not made to sound in unison. Straps were also fastened to the falcon's legs, by means of which he was attached to the perch; at the end of this strap was a brass or gold ring with the owner's name engraved upon it. In the royal establishments each ring bore on one side, "I belong to the king," and on the other the name of the Grand Falconer.
This was a necessary precaution, for the birds frequently strayed, and, if captured, they could thus be recognised and returned. The ownership of a falcon was considered sacred, and, by an ancient barbaric law, the stealer of a falcon was condemned to a very curious punishment. The unfortunate thief was obliged to allow the falcon to eat six ounces of the flesh of his breast, unless he could pay a heavy fine to the owner and another to the king.
Like the clever huntsman, a good falconer was bound to be a man of varied information on natural history, the veterinary art, and the chase."
Fish
Romans fished. Vikings fished. Everybody fished - for sustenance and for pleasure. Anglo-Saxon grants of property and boundary charters, and place names refer to fish weirs. There were even medieval fly fishermen (and women). The first book on fishing printed in the English language was the Treatyse on Fishing with an Angle, supposed written by Dame Juliana Berners, a nun. I personally can't wait to see how Stromgard Fishing develops, as there are events right next to appropriate water ways (William Tell comes to mind) that would be perfect for SCA fisherfolk.
Links I found interesting: