What is Fox Hunting?
Fox hunting is the act of using direction finding methods to locate and triangulate the position of a hidden transmitter. These transmitters will be hidden around the city and you will have to use your direction finding skills to locate it for points. The frequency of the primary fox will be posted and announced ahead of time. When the event starts, the fox will become active and begin emitting some kind of beacon signal for you to locate. Once you find the first fox, it may lead you to other foxes or locations. This is a fun but challenging event.
KARC's Fox Hunting Coordinator: N4JHC - Joshua Carmack
5 Watt: 146.535
700 mW: 146.595
15 mW: 147.585
Upcoming Fox Hunts
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| July 20, 2024 | 3:00 PM |
| August 18, 2024 | 3:00 PM |
| September 21, 2024 | 3:00 PM |
| October 20, 2024 | 3:00 PM |
| November 16, 2024 | 3:00 PM |
| December 15, 2024 | 3:00 PM |
How can I participate?
There are not any requirements for fox hunting, you can even participate without being licensed as you can find the fox by just using a receiver. The standard equipment used is a 2 meter receive capable radio and an antenna, usually a directional yagi but some have been able to find it with a standard omnidirectional antenna.
If you are interested in participating, but have no equipment please contact Joshua (N4JHC) at n4jhcradio@gmail.com and we can arrange for you to ride with a partner.
Most people have their own starting spot and some people meet at Big Lots near the mall but you can start anywhere you wish. At 2:45pm we begin taking check-ins on the W4TRC 146.970 repeater. This is not required, but just helps us keep track of how many people are hunting. At 3:00pm the foxes are turned on and you can begin trying to find them. We hide 3 transmitters at the same location on different frequencies and power levels. Those are listed above. You can tune to the frequencies and listen for the foxes. They sound like electronic beeps and will transmit for about 30-45 seconds and then be silent for another 30-45 seconds and begin the cycle again. With a directional antenna and an optional attenuater you should be able to find a direction where you hear the foxes most clearly. From there you can start working your way towards the foxes.
During the fox hunt, feel free to chat on the repeater with the other hunters and hiders. Sometimes hints may be given if needed.
When you have found the foxes, the hiders will be there to greet you. You are welcome to hang around and wait on other hunters or leave once you have found it. Usually foxes are hidden in a park or some place you can sit around and wait on the others.