NSRC Fox hunt
Fox Hunt 2025
After rain during the day of July 8th endangered our this years Fox Hunt, the water got turned off just in time for our hunters to gather at Gallery Park. The hunt started at 19:00 and everyone was swarming out to find the two hidden “Foxes”. There where a lot of new faces and we had about 7 or 8 teams trying to be the first to find both hidden transmitters. We also had a equal amount of “supporting” members who were waiting patiently on the return of the runners (or walkers). Here is the ranking:
#1 Warren Pugh (KC9IL) with brother Kevin (K9KWP). They found Fox #1 at 19:22 and Fox #2 at 19:32
#2 David Madison (KE9DAB) only a few minutes later after Warren
then the rest of the field (sorry but the ranking is a bit unclear):
Stewart Spies (KB9LM)
Michael Seedman (AA6DY)
Jim Janiak (NE9JJ)
Jen DeSalvo (W9TXJ)
plus maybe one or two more, but I don have their names and calls. We called the hunt off at 20:30 and packed up. I think everyone had a great time and we are looking forward to next year.
First Place - Warren Pugh (KC9IL)
Second Place - David Madison (KE9DAB)
What is a Fox Hunt?
For those of you new to fox hunting the concept is pretty simple: direction finding. Known as the "Fox," a transmitter operates within a designated area, emitting signals at regular intervals. The signal is in Morse code. You don’t need to know Morse code to participate. Just find where the signal comes from. Participants use various tools, from basic antennas and handheld radios to more advanced RF sniffers, to pinpoint its location and compete effectively.
This activity often involves hiking through challenging terrain, so appropriate attire is essential. Equipment ranges from simple Yagi antennas with attenuators to innovative setups—like using a paperclip in an antenna mount or employing body shielding—to determine direction.
As hunters draw closer to the transmitter, they employ more sophisticated techniques such as listening for the third harmonic — for 146.460 MHz the third harmonic is 439.380 MHz. Some participants utilize commercially available or homemade tracking devices, which can expedite things.
Yet, the major challenge lies in the last few feet. Skilled "Fox hiders" conceal the transmitter in clever spots—a trail with disturbed vegetation, a concealed garbage can, or even a seemingly unsuspecting bystander's bench—requiring acute hunting skills to discover.
WHAT TO BRING:
A folding chair, if you’d like to hang out at the welcome area. Insect repellent and sunscreen. Any radio equipment you wish to use and a flashlight.
Logistics
Check-in desk opens at 6:30 PM in the parking lot at Mint and W. Lake.
Hunt begins at 7 PM and ends at 8:30 PM. Park closes at dusk (9 PM).
Water, soft drinks, snacks, and maps will be available at the check-in desk.
The end of the hunt will be announced on the Fox frequency and the 440 repeater
NSRC FOX FREQUENCY: 146.460 FM SIMPLEX
The Fox transmits a message, in CW, at 13 words per minute. The message says “This is the fox de NS9RC”. Its length is about 26 seconds. There will be a minute of silence and then the transmission repeats. You don’t need to know Morse code to participate in the Fox Hunt.
Suggested Equipment
Equipment varies from the simple to the sublime. Most people carry a Yagi with some kind of attenuator, but some people have won this event by simply sticking a paper clip into your antenna mount on your HT and use their body to shield the signal to get some rough sense of direction. While this is very elementary, it does work. As you get closer, different techniques are used to reduce the incoming signal including calculating the third harmonic. The current frequency is 146.460 MHz, and the third harmonic would be 439.380.
Others have various versions of tracking devices – some commercially available and some homebrews. These trackers are incredibly efficient and some athletic participants can usually find the Fox in short order. For this reason, we deploy a second Fox.
However, there remains the challenge of managing the final few feet. Skilled Fox hiders will tuck the Fox in clever places so that it does take some acute hunting skills to find it (a trail with broken grass, a garbage can, or perhaps even suspicious mom sitting with her kids in a park, masking the transmitter under her chair!) Good times are had by all!