Game Animals
DeerDeer (red, fallow and roe) held pride of place in medieval times and were the most prized of animals. Of all the deer it was the male which was prized above any other. An adult male red deer was known as a hart. Further classification would be based around the number of tines on its antlers. An animal needed to have at least 10 tines to be considered worthy of hunting. This gave rise to the phrase "hart of 10".
Wolves
Wolves were greatly prized for the hunt and in the early part of medieval history they were common enough to ensure that their control was part of the manorial duties. However keeping the population down was probably more a case of digging out and killing the cubs, rather than dramatic chases through the forest.
Boar
A dangerous and much prized animal. Historically boar hunting was done by groups of people carrying a specialized boar spear.
The boar beer was fitted with lugs or wings behind the blade in order to stop the enraged animal driving its pierced body further down the shaft in order to attack the carrier of the spear.
Hare
The hare was valued for both food and sport. Its habit of running in a circle, meant that medieval hunters missing it the first time would usually get a second chance.
Fox
It may seem odd but the fox was not considered a chase animal during medieval times.
Rabbits
Rabbits were not introduced into England until the 13th century when they were brought from France.
Fishing
Although fishing was restricted within a royal forest, the fish were so plentiful that there was no real need to control this.
Dogs
In view of the popularity of hunting during the medieval ages it is no surprise that game dogs were not only popular but very well looked after. Hunting packs were a source of pride and a valuable resource to catch the game.