Hunting has been practised in Cumbria and throughout Britain for hundreds of years and the High Fell contributors have memories of a range of hunting activities that were once common practise in Cumbria - from otter hound hunts, to hare coursing and hunting fox with hounds.
Nowadays shooting can form an important part of the rural economy and, if managed properly, can help maintain important habitats for wildlife. However hunting is controversial and hunting with dogs (including hunting for fox, deer, mink and hare coursing) was banned in England and Wales by the Hunting Act 2004.