CAPPING FEES are paid for a day of hunting with an association of hunters of which one is not a member. At Big Sky Hounds, a SUBSCRIBING MEMBERSHIP is offered which allows a person to cap at a 25% reduced rate until full membership is achieved. See membership details below.

PLEASE PRINT, READ, SIGN, AND BRING THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK FORM WITH YOU TO THE MEET

The 2022-2023 hunting season begins in September and ends in May. Activities occur throughout the year. BSH meets most Wednesdays and Sundays in Montana and occasionally may travel to an away or joint meet or event. You may pay your membership dues at any time during the 2022-23 season that you wish your privileges to begin. Until FULL membership dues are paid, capping fees or event fees are due at each meet, ride, or event.

Proceeds support an award-winning pack of hounds, promote the sport of mounted foxhunting in Montana, and foster a “foxhunting culture.” Membership includes 1) a subscribing membership to MFHA which provides Covertside Magazine, monthly enewsletters, and invitation to MFHA member-only events; 2) a subscription to the BSH monthly enews with fixture cards, hunt journal, and news about our hounds, members, country, legislation, and Foxhunting Montana-Style; 3) invitation to BSH member-only events and activities, and 4) 25% off capping fees (normally $100 for non-members, $40/juniors).

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

SUBSCRIBING MEMBERSHIP: $85/adults or $50/juniors annually. Then, pay capping fees of $75/adult or $30/junior each time you meet with BSH until you have capped 10 times (or paid $750/$300), at which time all capping fees are waived for the remaining season and you become a “full” member (eligible to earn and maintain hunt colors and honorary staff positions).

FULL MEMBERSHIP: If you choose, instead of capping as you go, you may pay full membership up front for $835/adults or $350/juniors. Family memberships are available for $1200.

SUPPORTING/OUT-OF-STATE MEMBERSHIPS: For those out-of-state/area or who wish to show their support, $435 includes the full benefits of BSH membership and participation in up to four hunts each season.

GUESTS/NON-MEMBERS may cap with BSH up to twice annually for a CAPPING FEE OF $100 ($40/juniors) and should be accompanied by a member.

HUNTS/MEETS will be scheduled in Montana on most Wednesdays and Sundays from September to May. Fixture cards will be included in each monthly newsletter, be posted on the website calendar, and appear on the Big Sky Hounds Facebook page and BSH messenger updates. Hunts will proceed weather permitting and with a minimum of three riding participants (excluding huntsman), for the safety of the riders and the hounds. Hunters must indicate their participation by 8pm the night prior and an announcement will be made indicating whether the meet will occur. If weather necessitates, a winter break may occur in January or February. Most meets will be in Montana BSH home hunt country (10 miles around kennels), with possible away or joint meets to be determined, depending upon member interest and funding. Additional fees may be assessed for meets occurring outside home territory to cover costs. Events will be scheduled throughout the year.

SPONSORSHIPS: Please consider a “Friends of Christopher” sponsorship to support the BSH mission to provide exceptional care, quality food, and a resolute commitment to responsibly manage and love not only a working pack of hounds, but also retirees. Your contribution of $1000 goes directly to feed, vet, and house the hounds and can be paid directly to vendors, if you choose. You will be listed as a sponsor, provided with four guest passes for capping that season (limit two per individual) and be invited to sit on the “Christopher Committee” which meets at least twice a year to discuss the business of responsibly managing a pack of hounds, maintaining a viable hunt club, and cultivating a “culture of foxhunting.” Thank you for considering this important effort, essential to the future of BSH and the happiness and healthfulness of our heartbeats. (Sponsorships do not include membership and are not tax-deductible.)

BSH is a PRIVATE SUBSCRIPTION hunt, recognized by MFHA, managed and maintained by its MASTERS, directed by an EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (made up of the Masters, the Honorary Secretary, and a Controller), owned and operated by MONTANA HORSES, INC., and funded by SUPPORTERS, PARTICIPANTS, AND MEMBERS.