A FRUSTRATING and stressful six months lie ahead for 17 hunts in the region, which are still no clearer about their future.

The Government announcement of the consultation period, to try to narrow the gulf between the pro and anti-hunting camps, could still end in a ban. During that time, a new Hunting Bill will be drafted.

Only upland hunts such as the Wensleydale Foxhounds have some cause for hope, as foxes are almost impossible to track down on the fells. The members follow on foot, not on horseback, and they may be able to continue under licence.

Maurice Bell, Wensleydale master, agreed: "Up here at 2,000ft you would have to find them before you could shoot them. If they are worrying lambs, farmers can't take time off to do that.

"MPs just don't understand our country way of life and they are not bothered about the welfare of the fox. It they ban hunting, it will be a sordid end for the animal. I saw one the other day on three legs - the other had been shot off."

Joe Townsend, huntsman with the Bedale said: "We are obviously hoping the Commons will follow the example of the Lords and look to a middle way of licensing hunts.

"I would rather not think about the alternative. Obviously we would be devastated and I think Mr Blair would have a considerable battle on his hands if he banned hunting completely.

"We would be out demonstrating on the streets of London and every other city.

"I am 52 and stand to lose my house, my job and my pension. The hounds are bred for one purpose and don't make pets.

"They would have to be destroyed and probably some horses would follow suit.

"This is quite a stressful situation. It does prey on your mind. This could completely destroy the way we live and comes after the country has had the worst crisis in living memory with foot-and-mouth.

"There are far more important things the Government should be putting its mind to."