ANYONE who predicted the end of the hunts as a result of the ban on hunting with dogs must be sorely disappointed.

According to a survey of hunts by The Northern Echo, the numbers of people signing up has increased on a large scale.

And hunting groups say their way of life will continue despite the Government's ban.

Not one hunt in the North-East and North Yorkshire has disbanded since the law came into force in February.

The new season will start next month with hunt masters saying they have no intention of breaking the law.

But many plan to push the legislation to the limit, exposing the legal loopholes and flaws they believe it includes.

James Bates, North-East spokesman for the Countryside Alliance, said: "Yorkshire and County Durham are the beating hearts of hunting in this country.

"There are 50 or so hunts based in our area and every one of them will be marking November 5 as they have done for hundreds of years - by going hunting.

"They will be hunting legally within the context of the hunting bill, but they will be stretching this poorly written piece of legislation to the limit.

"We have provided guidance to every hunt in the region on the numerous loopholes, legal blind allies and cul-de-sacs in the bill."

Huntsmen believe the ban will eventually be overturned.

In the meantime, hunts will spend the new season exercising their hounds and drag hunting, which involves laying a scent.

However, some packs have found it impossible to teach older dogs to follow an artificial trail and are using a dead fox.

The South Durham Hunt hopes to circumnavigate the law by using an eagle owl, with hounds flushing out foxes for the bird of prey to chase.

Several beagle packs, that previously chased hares, will hunt rabbits, which are not covered in the Hunting Act 2004.

Huntsmen say they will continue to kill foxes at the request of farmers using methods within the law.

Several hunts admit they have laid off staff and destroyed hounds following the ban.

However, many are also reporting a record number of subscriptions ahead of the new season.

Andrew Osborne, master of the Bedale Hunt, said the mood among supporters was one of defiance.

He said: "It's a situation we wish we had not been put in by this urban bullying Government.

"But we intend to show we wont roll over and give up."

Nicky Vigors, joint master of the Zetland Hunt, said: "It's not been easy, we have not got quite as many hounds or horses.

"But we are still employing people and we will make sure people still enjoy themselves."

* What are you views on fox hunting? Log on to http://forums.thisisthenorth east.co.uk to discuss this story and others.