history

The first record of fox hounds and hunting in the North American Continent occurred in 1650 when Robert Brooke came to America with his family, servants and a pack of hounds. George Washington kept a pack of hounds. Thomas Jefferson attended on occasion, and the hunting parties at Mount Vernon are said to have lasted for weeks.

It is against this rich history that the Mells Foxhounds shares the traditions of fox hunting in beautiful Middle Tennessee.

The Story of Mells

Our story began in 1964 when Colonel John L. Horner Jr., purchased a farm in Giles County, which he named Mells, after his ancestral estate in Somerset, England. Colonel Horner established a pack of hounds, erected kennels and obtained permission to hunt on neighboring lands. Registered in 1966, Mells Foxhounds was recognized in 1971 by the Masters of Foxhounds Association.  Colonel Horner passed away in 1989, but his legacy endures.  Mells has hunted continuously since its founding and is proud to celebrate our 61st season.

Today in America, fox hunting is also known as 'fox chasing,’ as the purpose is not to kill but to enjoy the chase.  Coyotes and, on occasion, bobcats, are the quarry our foxhounds most often chase. 

As a rule, quarry is not pursued once they have ‘gone to ground’.