according to the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America , there are nearly 200 organized foxhunting clubs in the U.S. and Canada . And while the club 's ban in Britain over animal welfare concerns 10 years ago is still debated , the American hunt is a crime and the goal is not to kill a fox . The Elkridge - Harford Hunt hunt has roots dating back to 1878 , but records show organized foxhunts took place in Maryland as early as the 1790s .
According to the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America , there are nearly 160 organized foxhunting clubs in the U.S. and Canada . And while the sport 's ban in Britain over animal welfare concerns 10 years ago is still debated , the American hunt is a chase and the intent is not to kill a fox . The Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club has roots dating back to 1878 , but records show organized foxhunts took place in Maryland as early as the 1790s .