Hare and Hounds Game – Classic Outdoor Pursuit Game | Printable Instructions

Players: 6 or more
Location: Outdoors
Age Group: Older children and teens

Hare and Hounds Game is a classic outdoor pursuit game in which one or two players, the Hares, leave a trail for the Hounds to follow. It combines running, navigation, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Setup

Choose the following roles:

• 1 or 2 Hares – create the trail and try to avoid being caught.
• Huntsman – leads the chase.
• Whipper-in – helps keep the group together.
• Hounds – follow the trail.

Before the game begins, everyone agrees on:

• The play area.
• A time limit.
• Clear boundaries and meeting points.

How to Play

The Hare is given a supply of trail markers, such as small paper squares or other environmentally friendly markers, and sets off with a head start of several minutes.

As they run, the Hare drops markers along the route to create a trail for the Hounds to follow.

Once the head start has ended, the Huntsman signals the beginning of the chase, and the Hounds set off together, carefully following the trail.

Following the Trail

The Hounds must stay on the marked route and are not allowed to take shortcuts, even if they spot the Hare.

If the trail disappears, the group stops and searches until it is found again before continuing.

The challenge is not simply to run fast, but to track the Hare’s route accurately.

Winning

The game ends when:

• The Hounds catch the Hare.
• The Hare successfully reaches the agreed finish point without being caught.
• The time limit expires.

Modern Adaptation

Instead of dropping paper, use environmentally friendly trail markers, such as:

• Chalk arrows on paved paths (where permitted)
• Small reusable markers or ribbons collected afterward
• Biodegradable paper markers
• Natural trail signs agreed upon before the game

Play should always remain within safe, supervised areas such as parks, school grounds, or designated trails.

Skills Developed

• Teamwork
• Navigation
• Observation
• Endurance
• Strategic planning

Why It’s Fun

Unlike a simple chase, Hare and Hounds is a game of tracking as much as running. The Hare tries to create a route that is challenging but fair, while the Hounds must work together to stay on the trail and recover quickly if they lose it. The combination of strategy, exploration, and teamwork makes it one of the most engaging traditional outdoor games.

Historical Note

In the original version, the Hare marked the route by dropping small pieces of paper, and the Huntsman carried a horn to signal the start of the chase and whenever the trail was found again. Longer games could cover many miles through the countryside. Modern versions are usually played over much shorter distances and use reusable or biodegradable trail markers to help protect the environment.

Hare and Hounds Game – Classic Outdoor Pursuit Game Printable Instructions