Wolf urine replaced the traditional scent of foxes as South Durham Hunt rode out for the official start of the season on Saturday. Reporter Catherine Jewitt joined them.

Hounds bounding across the patchwork landscape followed by a parade of horsemen and women in traditional costume.

It was a scene reminiscent of any other hunt gathering that has gone before.

But the weekend's opening meets of the official hunt season spelled the start of a new chapter for the controversial sport of fox hunting.

Since February 18 this year, it has been illegal to use a pack of dogs to hunt and kill a wild animal in England and Wales.

On Saturday, all eyes were on the South Durham Hunt - the local hunt for Prime Minister Tony Blair's Sedgefield constituency - for its first official outing since the ban. It is one of about 30 packs across the country to have adopted the use of a bird of prey to circumvent the Hunting Act 2004, which does allow dogs to flush out foxes for a bird of prey to hunt and kill.

For the hunt's opening meet, hunt master Mark Shotton opted to set a trail of wolf urine for the hounds to follow and give the 60 riders a romp across the scenic countryside around the village.

Mr Shotton said: "We had more riders than we expected and lots of supporters to see us off from the village. We were very pleased with the numbers.

"Farmers are being very supportive but we are mindful of the difficulties they face when we go over their land. They've got it tough already.

"Too much emphasis is being put on the eagle owl, it is just one way we will hunt within the law."

According to the League Against Cruel Sports, about 40 per cent of hunts are flouting the new laws. Reports yesterday indicated that about 100 foxes in the country were killed by legal means.

Mr Shotton said: "I can well believe more foxes than usual are being killed, and it will be less selective.

"Using the traditional way, I would say 90 per cent got away and the ones the hounds did get were old or unwell."

Among the league's allegations is that some hunts continue to chase foxes and deer with a pack of hounds with a token bird of prey in attendance but not used.

An anti-hunt campaigner, who does not wish to be named, observed the South Durham Hunt from a distance on Saturday.

She said: "They had the eagle owl mobile and ready but it didn't fly because it was too windy and wasn't needed in the end.

"All the hunts seemed to be sticking to the letter of the law at the weekend, as they would on the opening day when everyone was watching. I only hope they continue in the same way."

The league says it will continue to monitor hunts and will report any evidence and intelligence to the police and Government.