Rules and Safety Guidelines for our Live Fox Hunt

OVERVIEW

Thanks for participating in our Live Fox Hunt. I’ve put together some rules to set the groundwork for a fun event. We are at the grassroots of this event, so we are always looking for input and ways to improve. If you have any questions, please feel free to find or email me. 

Again, if you are a Professional RDF Hunter, this event may not be for you, as we work in a smaller geographic area with a larger audience who may have some Hunting experience, or this is their first time.

But please, I can use your help to grow this as if there is more interest, it can become more significant.  


GOALS

  1. To get out and meet new people and build new friendships.

  2. Learn more about radio direction finding (RDF) in a fun and exciting way. 

  3. Create an environment to help teach through hands-on activities and learn a new skill in Ham Radio. 

Fox Hunt Details

  • Event kickoff & Rules at 4:45 pm

  • The Fox will transmit on Frequency  146.565 or 146.315 (alt). Simplex will be determined before the event starts

Fox Rules

  • Fox will remain stationary for the duration of the game.

  • Fox will stay within the boundaries of Bedford, NH (Defined by Google Maps) 

  • Fox will transmit every 10 Minutes for 1-minute intervals. 

  • Fox will ID (KC1RWB) and then speak for 60 seconds. Before ending, the transmission will ID again. 

  • The Fox will start at high Power (50W) and reduce power every 15 minutes till they reaches 5W.
    Fox will NOT be parked on PRIVATE LAND, PARKED IN AN UNSAFE LOCATION, or be INSIDE A BUILDING OR STRUCTURE. 

  • Fox will remain in the vehicle for the duration of the event. 


Hunter Rules

  • At 6:30 pm, all hunters will leave and drive to the first Fox Transmission bearing. (5:10)

  • The Fox will transmit every 10 Minutes for 1-minute intervals. 

  • The Hunt will last 90 minutes, with the last transmission ending at 6:28 p.m. 

  • If you should locate the fox before the 90 minutes are up, please do not hang around the fox location; add your name to the Hunters Sheet (located with the fox) and return to the Lower Parking lot at Bedford HS. 

  • If you or your team locate the fox, you can announce it on the repeater (I will be monitoring) to add a bit of “pressure” to other hunters :) Please do it on return to the starting point so as not to give away the location. 

At the end of the 90 minutes, we will all meet back at the HS Lower Parking lot, and then, if you like, we’ll head over to the Inside Scoop (260 Wallace Rd, Bedford, NH) to recap!


How to Win

  • The Fox will have a clipboard to confirm that you found the Fox by logging all your hunters' names and callsigns. If you are on a Team, please list your “team name” as well. 

  • If you find the fox within the 90 minutes, please return to the starting point at the High School.  


Safety Stuff 

  • Please be careful when you are out on the road. Have a designated driver.

  • Please always find a safe location to take your bearings. Do not do this in a moving vehicle or on the side of a busy road or intersection.

  • If with younger children, please exercise safety. 

  • If you have any high Vis or brightly colored clothing, please wear it for safety.

  • Please pay attention to signage and do not access private property w/o the permission of the owner. 

  • Please bring maps and other tools to track the fox. I have provided a rough list below if you need or want to know more about what is required. 

  • We have notified Bedford PD that there will be additional cars with people and antennas in the area. Please be respectful of the curious if they ask what you're up to. Be an ambassador for ham radio and take a moment to share and answer any questions.  

Equipment Needed: 

  • 2m HT or 2m Mobile Radio with squelch adjustment /w Spare Battery

  • A Yagi-style antenna commercial/homegrown

  • Coax w/ proper connectors from the antenna to your radio/HT

  • Digital or Paper-Based Map of the town of Bedford, NH (I will have a few provided)

  • Pen, Paper, clipboard, rulers

  • Compass (or smartphone works)

  • Second HT or car mobile that can hit the repeater for announcements/General Comms.

    • We will be using the GSARA Repeater 146.685+ PL 100