THE mood was defiant when the New Forest Hounds staged their first hunt since MPs voted to ban the bloodsport.

More than 60 huntsmen and women plus a 150-strong crowd gathered before Saturday's hunt to show their determination to fight on.

They braved heavy rain and sleet showers at Godshill near Fordingbridge less than 48 hours after the House of Commons voted overwhelmingly to scrap hunting by February.

Joint master Paul Ames delivered a rousing speech on horseback before galloping off to begin the day's chase.

He began by reading out an announcement from The Hunting Declaration, a campaign committed to fighting the ban.

"The situation has arisen in which hunt followers may wish to adopt a strategy of civil disobedience," he read.

"Those individuals who wish to follow this strategy must recognise that there is a great difference between civil disobedience and random law-breaking.

"We emphasise that other laws should not be broken and that the long-term future of hunting will depend upon our finding legal activities that will safeguard the future of our hounds and hunting skills.

"Meanwhile, however, we must be firm in recognising the injustice of the ban that has been imposed on us, and the legitimacy of any decision to carry on hunting."

To a chorus of "here, here"s, Mr Ames added: "Put away your nasty thoughts of hunt saboteurs. I want you to enjoy today, there will be a good scent and lovely hounds. We're all doing everything we can. Tuesdays and Saturdays are for hunts and nothing else!"

He urged people not to take the law into their own hands by confronting saboteurs and risk jeopardising future hunting days.

New Forest Hunt secretary, Graham Ferris, told the Daily Echo: "The mood here today is angry, defiant and convinced that we are going to win in the end. The legislation will be reversed either by legal challenge or by a change of government."

The local hunt is so confident that hunting is here to stay that it has vowed to keep breeding their foxhounds.

The Countryside Alliance is challenging the use of the Parliament Act to force through anti-hunting laws.

A judicial review has been launched at the High Court and the first hearing is expected to be held in the new year.

The pro-hunting lobby is also prepared to take their battle to the European Court of Human Rights to try to save their beloved sport.

The New Forest Hounds have vowed to adhere to guidance from the Countryside Alliance on what strategy they should take in the coming weeks.

Ken James, head of the New Forest Animal Protection Group, said: "I think they should accept defeat instead of wasting millions on campaigns. Perhaps the money would be better spent on retiring and looking after the hounds."