Andrew Edwards' DVDs
A review of "Fox Hunting with Lurchers By Day: Part Three" DVD by Paul Dooley.
It's time to put your walking boots on again and wrap well up too. We are off on hike high up into the snow capped, rugged Welsh hills and mountains to see more amazing action footage of Andrews's lurchers hunting the elusive hill fox.
The sub titles in the introduction say it all; ÒNo Nets, No Guns and No LampsÓ. This is part 3 of the series and in my view, due to Andrew striving for continually improvement, is the best.
Yes it's all none stop action, day time lurcher work amongst what can only be described as very difficult country. I know plenty of hunters who wouldn't even run their dogs over such treacherous terrain. These dogs however are at home on it and indeed clearly bred for it.
Let's talk about the stars of the show then; the dogs. They are a mixture of greyhound, collie and hound, bred from workers to workers. It's a potent mix and never have I seen dogs so perfectly designed for their job. Their stamina, nose & perseverance are extraordinary and clearly evident throughout. The long range at which they work, unassisted I must add, is astounding. Only when the camera zooms back in can you appreciate it. The hill fox uses every obstacle possible to evade capture and is pursued over rock, scree, heather, bog and mountain streams. These dogs clearly have excellent feet & bone structure too. There's plenty of hunting up, nose work footage, followed by superb courses when the quarry is raised and sighted.
As in previous DVD's this one is also non narrative. I reviewed an earlier production of Andrews {Rabbiting Days, EDRD no 203, June 2009} and commented that I'd have liked to have heard some commentary. I guess I didn't quite get it back then! The fact that these DVD's are non narrative is what makes them unique. The action speaks for itself and is what I believe will ensure they are always remembered.
Criticisms': none, I enjoyed every minute.
Who should buy this? Collectors of sporting DVD's, those interested in the pursuit of the fox, anyone interested in working lurchers and fans of Andrew's previous productions. You won't be disappointed.
It's available from Andrew Edwards, PO Box 70 , Aberdare, CF44 AX and is priced (in UK) at £17 including post & packing.
It can also be purchased on line at http://www.foxhuntingwithlurchers.co.uk/