What is a Transmitter Hunt?

A Transmitter hunt, sometimes called a foxhunt, could simply be described as an event where someone hides a radio transmitter, and other people try to find it.

But that is too simple a description. Usually, the hunt is a contest in which the hunters try to get to the hidden "fox" with the least amount of miles driven, or perhaps in the shortest amount of time. In mileage-scoring hunts, sometimes a time-penalty might be included, such as adding 0.1 mile per minute (clock starting after the first team has found the fox), in order to keep hunters motivated to not waste time.

To add to the fun, the hider, or "huntmaster", will try to locate the fox so that the best route is not so obvious. He or she might employ the famous "Sandia Bounce", for example, by aiming a beam antenna at the Sandia Mountains, in an attempt to "bounce" the signal back to the start point from the direction of the mountains. If the hunters cannot get a signal from the true location, they may waste many miles driving around until they do figure out what is happening. Other devious tricks may be used to make the hunt more challenging.

Often, the hider will disguise the fox, to make the actual final identification as much of a challenge as finding the area. Such tricks as burying the fox, planting decoys, etc., may be used. This will require the hunters to "sniff" the signal, using whatever means they think best, to identify the exact location of the hidden transmitter. At any given hunt, you will see a variety of gadgets, radios, attenuators, antennae, all designed by the hunters who hope they have found the "secret weapon" which will give them an edge in the race to find the fox first.

And, of course, competitors have been known to "mislead" one another, so be careful when another team tells you the "best way" to get to the fox. During the hunt, a good rule of thumb is: never believe what another t-hunter tells you!

Back to FOX HUNTING TIPS.