Our Organization
The Bijou Springs Hunt is incorporated as a Colorado nonprofit (501-C7) organization. We are a member owned hunt and our membership is closely involved with the day-to-day activities of the Hunt.
The Masters are responsible for the Hunting Operations. The Board of Directors, Officers and members are responsible for the corporate, financial and social operations of the Hunt. The Honorary Secretary is the official primary point of contact, especially for other Hunts and outside organizations. The Masters and Honorary Secretary are elected to permanent positions. The Board of Directors are elected to two-year terms, staggered to maintain continuity. The Masters appoint members of the Hunt Staff and the Fieldmaster. Appointments are permanent until changed or terminated at the discretion of the Masters. The Board of Directors elects its Officers from within to Positions of President, Vice-President, Corporate Secretary and Treasurer. The Board represents the Membership and generally meets once a month throughout the year.
Meetings are open to any members desiring to attend or bring matters before the Board. The Annual Membership Meeting is held every May at which time the status of the Hunt is reviewed and annual elections are held.
Current Board Members
President: Kelly Walsh --Vice President: Meridith Hatterman--Secretary: Mary Susan Costa --Treasurer: Annie Berlemann-- Members:-- Calli Stilwell, Tom Kraus.
A Short History of the Bijou Springs Hunt
Organized mounted foxhunting began in northern Europe in the late 17th and early 18th century. The early colonists brought the sport with them, even bringing some of their prized foxhounds along. George Washington is known to have been an avid foxhunter. Over the years, North American hunts have adapted the sport to fit our way of life but we keep the old traditions and many of the terms, such as "Tally Ho."
The Bijou Springs Hunt was established in 1984 and recognized by the Masters of Foxhounds Association in 1993. Our first Hunt fixture was at the Combs Ranch near Calhan in the Bijou Basin. When the ranch was sold, we began looking for a country. Nancy King and her husband, Paul, offered us the use of their LazyK 11 ranch near Kiowa where we hunted from 2006 until recently. We are currently hunting several fixtures.