The Wateree Hounds were founded in 2020 by a group of fox hunters aiming to preserve Camden’s cherished equestrian legacy in the Midlands of South Carolina. What began as a shared vision quickly grew into a thriving community.
Since our club’s founding, the Wateree Hounds have achieved several key milestones:
2023: Registered with the Masters of Foxhounds Association (MFHA)
2025: Officially recognized by the MFHA
2025: Registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Our recent MFHA recognition and nonprofit transformation reflect our deep commitment to upholding the sport’s principles of ethical hunting and land conservation.
The Wateree Hounds are a fox hunting club rooted in tradition and a shared passion for sporting excellence. Based in the historic landscapes of Camden, South Carolina, we serve Kershaw, Lancaster, Darlington, and Sumter Counties. Our welcoming community brings fox hunters, landowners, and supporters together to enjoy memorable rides across premier hunting territories.
The Wateree Hounds are led by professional huntsman Tony Gammell, whose career spans more than 30 years and two continents. Raised in Ireland and trained in the art of fox hunting from an early age, Tony combines a deep respect for the sport with decades of hands-on experience managing American foxhounds. His Irish roots remain evident in his approach to the sport, which blends Old World knowledge with New World innovation.
Before joining the Wateree Hounds, Tony forged a reputation as a skilled huntsman during a seventeen-season tenure at Virginia’s prestigious Keswick Hunt. Each year, his breeding program and training methods led to remarkable year-over-year improvements for the pack. Most recently, Tony led the hounds at Lowcountry Hunt in South Carolina, successfully adapting his exceptional skills to the unique challenges of coastal terrain.
Throughout his career, Tony has earned a reputation for producing disciplined hounds, building strong relationships with landowners, and honoring long-standing customs. These qualities have made him one of the most respected huntsmen in the fox hunting community.
Under his steady leadership, the Wateree Hounds are positioned to continue our rapid growth while maintaining the highest standards of sportsmanship and stewardship that define the finest fox hunting clubs in the nation.
At the heart of our organization are our fox hunting horses and remarkable pack of American foxhounds. These animals embody the athleticism, intelligence, and instinct that have long defined this historic sport.
The Wateree Hounds’ pack represents an unbroken link to our nation’s founding fox hunting legacy, as the American foxhound is the same breed George Washington hunted with at Mount Vernon. Through responsible breeding, training, and development programs, we keep the culture and skills of mounted fox hunting alive for the next generation.
The Wateree Hounds remain deeply committed to safeguarding the natural landscapes and historic equine properties of the greater Camden area. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we host educational seminars, youth programs, and fundraisers that support environmental preservation. Among our ongoing initiatives are efforts to clear, map, and maintain throughout our hunting territories, improving access to treasured lands and promoting responsible habitat management.
The Wateree Hounds also host signature events throughout the Camden area, including our annual Wateree Cup, Sporting Week, Horses & Heroes lowcountry boil, and more. These events bring sporting enthusiasts and members of the broader community together to strengthen connections and celebrate South Carolina’s equestrian heritage.
The Wateree Hounds remain deeply committed to safeguarding the natural landscapes and historic equine properties of the greater Camden area. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we host educational seminars, youth programs, and fundraisers that support environmental preservation. Among our ongoing initiatives are efforts to clear, map, and maintain throughout our hunting territories, improving access to treasured lands and promoting responsible habitat management.
The Wateree Hounds also host signature events throughout the Camden area, including our annual Wateree Cup, Sporting Week, Horses & Heroes lowcountry boil, and more. These events bring sporting enthusiasts and members of the broader community together to strengthen connections and celebrate South Carolina’s equestrian heritage.
Whether you’re an experienced fox hunter or brand new to the sport, the Wateree Hounds welcome the opportunity to connect with you. Join us as a member, cap with us for the day, or join our mailing list to stay in the loop.
