Dayton HHH HARE GUIDE

This guide is just that, a list of guidelines for a hare to use in putting a Hash together. Many of these guidelines are "tried and true" and have proven successful not only in Dayton but in other hashes as well. The intent of a Hash is to have a good time. We have found that a good trail most often results in "a good time" and virgin runners will come back time after time. A good trail that proves fun does not come without planning. Both a "Live Hare" event and a "Dead Hare" event take careful planning and at least one or more scouting sessions on the trail prior to setting the run.

Hares: A hare should normally be a named hasher or if not be accompanied by a veteran hare. The same holds true for any virgin hare, they should be accompanied by someone experienced on their initial foray. Dayton is traditionally a "Live Hare" group and as such the majority of the runs are conducted by a hare setting trail while the pack is following. Any hare can set a live trail if they are carefully planning and the hares use proper cunning. Special events such as the Spring Formal, Red Dress Run, Halloween, etc, are often preset by the hares. During a "Dead Hare" run, one of the hares should remain toward the back of the pack and act as a sweeper for the slower runners to keep people from getting lost on trail.

Trail: Length. Generally the trail should be 3-5 miles in true length and not last more than about 1.5 hours taking into account false trail, back checks, and beer stops. Longer trails should have an "eagle/turkey" split if possible to assist the slower or injured hashers in the pack. The "Eagle" is the longer and possibly more difficult trail where the "Turkey" is often at least shorter (but doesn't necessarily have to be "easier"). There can be more than one split on a trail. Full Moon Runs or when weather conditions warrant the run should be kept shorter--in the neighborhood of one hour total. All long trails should have at least one beer and water stop and more if conditions warrant. Short trails in colder weather do not necessarily require a hydration stop.

Maps: The hare should prepare a general map(s) with instructions for either walkers or injured hashers so they can either follow true trail or can find shorter or less difficult routes. These should only be given to a designated walker lead (if the walkers want instructions). Additionally, if the on-in will be at a location other than the start, the hares should leave instructions to the on-in circle location and/or the following on-on-on for late cummers, etc. These can be left in a sealed envelop in one of the cars windshields.

Marks: All hash marks must be presented to the pack during the pre-hash dumb-ass announcements. Exotic or new and cute marks should generally be avoided. In general when setting trail, the marks should be located about 25 yards or so apart. The first mark from a check however may be up to 100 yards in any direction. Marks are normally made with flour, however toilet paper, and yellow post-its have proven effective in other terrain; dense woods for the former and inside buildings/malls for the latter. Chalk is also another excellent mark especially on sidewalks and streets or other areas where the flour may be removed by cars, wind, or clean freaks. In winter the hare can use flour mixed with cool aid or surveyors chalk for better visibility or food coloring or fabric dye mixed with water (if below freezing use rubbing alcohol).

If the trail bends or goes around a curve the next hash mark should be obvious if not, a check mark or an arrow should be used.

A check should always have at least one bad trail leading from it. Don't draw checks at random as they really should have some purpose.

Hash should always be more closely spaced in shiggy, woods and during night runs (Full Moon, etc). Use more flour or chalk at night to keep the pack from getting disheartened. (If the pack gives up the hare may never find the real on-in.)

Traditional DH3 Hash Marks:

Trail Marks: A trail mark can be a dab of flour or a dot made with chalk or in some cases a piece of toilet paper hanging from a bush or tree. 4 marks or more in a row indicates true trail. These should be spaced so that the pack can see the next one from the last one. This is especially true on a full moon hash.

Check: Indicates the trail divides or changes direction at this point. New trail may be in any direction up to 359 degrees

Arrow: An arrow never lies. If the arrow is pointing toward the pack--the pack must return all the way to the previous check. Commonly referred to as a Blow Job. If the arrow is pointing away from the pack, the pack will proceed in the direction the arrow is pointing.

You've Been F*cked: Just like the arrow pointing back at you on trail. Return to the check and look for true trail.

Back Check: Indicates the trail has taken a new direction/split somewhere between the last check and the back check marking. Following the back check, true trail is indicated by one spot of hash.

Beer Near: Obvious-- but as a rule the beer should be close by and if hidden some indication as to the location is in order. Don't keep the pack guessing as they are thirsty.

On In: Indicates the trail markings end and the trail will soon finish. (normally this is less than 1/4 mile)

Trail Splits: Normally splits into an eagle trail which is longer and more difficult than the turkey.

Other possible but not traditional marks

Message Check: May leave a message or special instructions

Whistle Check: Regroup until all runners arrive and blow their whistles

Bimbo Check: All males must wait until the true trail is found by a female

Regroup: All runners wait until the last person arrives. This is normally given in a neighborhood where the group needs to run together or there is a long stretch between checks. Acts as a check.

Song Check: Indicates a regroup with the Songmeister leading the pack in a hash song before the pack proceeds on the trail.

Top 10 Hare Actions That Could Land A Hasher On Double Secret Hare Probation:

10) Hare has at least two Hash names, and "earns" more names each time that he/she Hares.

9) Trekking the pack through desolate jungle country on what was billed as a "nautical jaunt".

8) Running on a freakin' golf course - even a little bit.

7) Thinking that seven miles still qualifies as a SOCIAL run.

6) NOT thinking that 90 degree heat necessitates a short run.

5) Scheduling only ONE beverage stop along a seven mile course in the Summer.

4) Putting the Beer Near next to a Back Check, so that only the FRBs see either marking.

3) Oncoming locomotives blow Hash markings into undecodable blobs of pseudo-dough.

2) The pack ingests more liquid on trail from garden hoses than from 12 ounce cans.

And the Number One Reason:

1) Hiding beer on trail so well that even HASHERS cannot find it.

The above is NOT meant to incriminate a particular Hare, and any similarities between the descriptions and accounts of recent Dayton hashes and any Hare living or hungover are purely coincidental, and should not be taken literally or personally by the offending party, whereas, in the half-mind of the offended party, it just %!#$ing needed to be said.