The alliance said that the lack of clarity over new guidelines had left many hunts in “limbo” and still felt that plans could change “at the 11th hour”.

However, it added that the hunts would go ahead if possible, in a show of their adaptability in the face of legislation that has “tried, but failed, to wipe them off the rural map”. 

It has been illegal to hunt foxes with a pack of dogs since 2004. The practice has been replaced with trail hunting, in which hounds follow a scent to replicate the traditional hunt without killing a fox. 

‘Smokescreen’ for illegal hunting

However, critics say it is a “smokescreen” for illegal hunting, with Labour joining calls for trail hunting to be banned on public land. 

Jim McMahon, the shadow rural affairs secretary, said: “The Government must do more to close the loopholes that allow people to break the law and consign hunting to the history books, where the vast majority of us believe it belongs.”

Earlier this year, Natural Resources Wales and the National Trust announced an end to trail hunting on their land.

Polly Portwin, the director of the campaign for hunting at the Countryside Alliance said: “Festive meets such as the hundreds taking place outside tomorrow are hugely popular and well attended by both hunt followers and local communities, for whom the event has become a cherished family tradition.

“While this year many meets are likely to be smaller scale and some people will opt to stay at home, they still provide a big boost both socially and economically throughout the countryside, as does trail hunting throughout the season.

“We would urge those who plan on attending to please take a lateral flow test and not to attend in the event of a positive reading or in the event you are feeling unwell.”