Masters of The Hunt
Daryl Buffenstein, MFH
Wayne Thrush, MFH
Jess Cardot, MFH
Hunting Season
The Shakerag hunting season begins on Labor Day weekend with Autumn Hunting and officially opens in late October. Our season continues through mid-March, offering months of rich tradition and exhilarating sport. During the season, The Shakerag Hounds meet on Saturday’s in formal attire and Tuesday’s in ratcatcher. We welcome new faces and seasoned riders alike. For more information, please contact our Hunt Secretary, Heidi Hook at huntsecretary@shakeraghounds.com.
Requirements to Hunt
In order to hunt with Shakerag, you'll need to either:
- Become a Shakerag member
- Be a member in good standing with another recognized hunt
- Be an invited guest of the club or contact the club to express interest
Once getting permission of the Masters, you'll need to:
- Provide a current negative coggins (via email or bring a copy to the hunt)
- Sign a Hunt Release
- Pay the appropriate capping fee (limit of 3 hunts/season)
- Review the Shakerag Hounds Hunt Etiquette and Safety guidelines
- Make sure to have a valid Georgia Hunting License (no exceptions)
- Wear the correct hunt attire
Find Your Field
Shakerag has four fields of riders to accommodate hunting experience, riding ability and fitness of both horse & rider.
First Field: Walks, trots, canters, gallops, and jumps. The field master will be careful to account for the whole field but the expectation is that riders and horses will be experienced and able to move out and keep up with the hounds.
Second Field: Walks, trots, canters, and gallops. The field master will take into account factors such as the weather and terrain when determining how fast to go but this field will also move out.
Third Field: Walks, trots, and canters. Riders should be able to handle a strong canter when required, although the pace may not require it.
Fourth Field: Primarily walks and trots. This is the field that is most likely to "hilltop" to view game and observe the hunt. A great place to start for novice fox hunters!
Important Documents
Please review →
Hunt Release Form
Hunt Attire
Hunt Etiquette & Safety
Hotels, Stabling & Hunt Leases
The Shakerag Clubhouse
Based in Hull, Georgia—just a short drive from downtown Athens (Go Dawgs!)—Shakerag Hounds is proud to call the rolling countryside of Jackson and Madison counties home. At the heart of our community is a spacious clubhouse where members, family, and friends gather to unwind, connect, and celebrate the spirit of the hunt. Whether you're enjoying a post-ride breakfast, sharing stories by the fire, or simply soaking in the camaraderie, the Shakerag clubhouse is more than just a meeting place—it's where lasting memories and lifelong friendships are made.
