HUNTING enthusiasts in the New Forest have been told to toe the line as the ancient bloodsport fights for its survival.
The New Forest Hounds (NFH) has ordered its members to be on their best behaviour during the run-up to the ban on hunting.
The controversial pursuit is due to be outlawed in a month's time, ending more than three centuries of rural tradition.
NFH leaders say the hunt will lose "precious days" if it breaks the rules and has its licence suspended by the Forestry Commission.
The 224-year-old hunt has fallen foul of the Commission in the past. It was banned for a month in 1999 after failing to call the hounds off
immediately when they had chased a fox down a hole
It was suspended for a similar period in 2002 after a fox was removed from a badger sett.
NFH leaders are anxious to avoid any similar incidents occurring during the most critical period in hunting's 300-year history.
Members have been warned not put a foot wrong between now and February 18, when the nationwide ban on hunting with hounds is due to come into force after years of bitter debate.
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