Which instrument was especially favored during the period of its dark rich tone and associated with the hunt?

The instrument especially favored during this period for its dark, rich tone and association with the hunt is the French horn. Its mellow sound and wide range made it ideal for outdoor performances and hunting calls, often used in orchestras and hunting music. The French horn's design, with its coiled shape, contributes to its unique tonal quality, which has been celebrated since the 18th century.