The huntsman’s red coat – a totemic image of hunting for more than 200 years – is one of the main casualties of the sport since the hunting ban came into force four years ago.

Many hunts have decided to abandon their scarlet (known as pink) jackets in favour of tweed or dark coats in an attempt to be less conspicuous and avoid scrutiny.

The Wynnstay Hunt in Cheshire, for example, showed off their new green tweed hunting coats when riding out this week. The move is seen as a temporary measure pending a repeal of the ban by Parliament. Many hunt masters, however, dressed in red uniform for yesterday’s Boxing Day meets, one of the most important dates in the hunting calendar, to keep up traditions for communities who turn out to support local hunts.

Fear of harassment and malicious prosecution from activists have made hunts significantly more covert. Many no longer publicise the dates, times and venues for meets on websites or even post notices in a village pub or community centre. Douglas Batchelor, chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “Hunts are definitely making it more difficult for us to monitor their activities. I don’t know what they are so ashamed about if they are hunting within the law. We know there is an element who boast about accidents when foxes are killed but it’s hard to know if this is bravado or straightforward law-breaking.”