This is a work in progress.  Comments and questions are welcome! 

Although we are talking about the sport of foxhunting, in reality the quarry pursued by a pack of foxhounds includes other animals. It’s perfectly legitimate for hounds to pursue red fox, gray fox, coyote, bobcat, and even black bear. The choice of quarry is a decision made by the hunt staff and is largely dependent on what is available in any given area. Out West coyote are plentiful while foxes are scarce.

The range of species and the numbers of each that exist in any area depend to a large degree on the habitat available. Each species has unique requirements in terms of shelter and food sources. It is illegal to transport game animals. The only way to ensure a vigorous population of these species is to make the right kind of habitat available. Development of suitable habitat must be a cooperative effort between the hunt club and its landowners.

Unfortunately, perfect animal habitat isn’t highly valuable for agricultural purposes. There has to be a careful balance between what’s good for wildlife and what’s good for farmers. Development of appropriate habitat requires specialized knowledge and time and work.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is responsible for the management of wildlife in the state (among other things). Their Fish and Wildlife Information Service has some great information available on the animals that the various hunt clubs consider to be appropriate quarry. Following are some links from their site.

Red fox

Gray fox

Coyote

Bobcat

Black bear