Hare

The hare is the person (or persons) responsible for laying the trail before the hash begins. Using flour, chalk, or toilet paper, the hare marks a route that the pack of runners will follow. The hare typically gets a head start of several minutes before the pack is released.

Responsibilities

• Marking the trail clearly enough to follow but with enough checks and false trails to keep the front runners searching
• Setting a trail appropriate to the terrain and the expected pack ability
• Arranging for beer and refreshments at the end (on-after)
• Being prepared to endure good-natured abuse from the pack if the trail was particularly devious, long, or poorly marked

Types of Hares

• Live hare: The hare is still laying trail when the pack starts, creating a true chase
• Dead hare: The trail is pre-laid before the pack begins
• Co-hares: Multiple hares working together to set the trail

Related Terms

• On-On — the call made when trail is found
• FRB — the front runners who chase the hare