Hams Chase Radio Foxes on a Special Weekend

Click here for CQ WW FW report form

A ham radio magazine is once again urging amateur radio clubs and ham operators across America to go "foxhunting." But the bushy-tailed animals have nothing to fear. Hams, after all, are not hounds, and in ham radio lingo, a "foxhunt" is one of several names for radio direction finding, a competition to locate a hidden radio transmitter.

CQ Amateur Radio Magazine has designated May 10 - 11 as the "CQ Worldwide Foxhunting Weekend" (CQ WW FW), and is encouraging ham operators and radio clubs to conduct hidden transmitter hunts at that time.

"It's not a national or international contest and there are no set rules," writes radio foxhunting veteran Joe Moell KØOV in an article announcing the event. "It's just a time for clubs, schools and Scout groups to try this exciting radiosport." Moell notes that participation is not limited to licensed hams. "There's no license requirement to receive, so everyone can participate. If there is a conflict on that weekend, any time in the spring will do. We're not picky!"

On-air competition is a ham radio tradition dating back nearly to the birth of the hobby and foxhunting has been part of that tradition for at least 60 years. Foxhunting may be done by car or on foot, and the magazine is encouraging ham groups to use either one or both during the CQ WW FW. And there's more than a fun day of friendly competition involved.

"Foxhunting is certainly fun and a competitive challenge," says CQ's  Editor Rich Moseson W2VU, "but it also teaches important radio direction-finding (RDF) skills that may be called upon in searching for a lost hiker or downed airplane's Emergency Locator Transmitter. RDF techniques are also useful for tracking down sources of electronic interference."

"Transmitter hunting belongs in the mainstream of amateur radio," adds Moell. "Ham RDF can be used for public service and to save lives."

The CQ Worldwide Foxhunting Weekend supports efforts by ham radio groups all over the world to promote the sport. "The USA Championships of on-foot transmitter hunting take place annually," says Moell, who is ARDF Coordinator for the USA. "Competitors from all over the USA plus visitors from other countries attend. Many clubs use the NFW as an opportunity to train for and promote that event."

CQ Amateur Radio  is a monthly magazine published by CQ Communications, Incorporated, which also publishes CQ-VHF Magazine,  Popular Communications,  CQ Contest,   CQ Books and the CQ Video Library. CQ Communications is based in Hicksville, New York.

This is the eleventh year that CQ Communications has sponsored a foxhunting weekend. Formerly dubbed the "National Foxhunting Weekend," the name was changed in 2007 to recognize the worldwide interest and participation in this sport. Moell's article announcing this year's event, titled "Championship Fun on Foxhunting Weekend," will be in the April 2008 issue of CQ Amateur Radio magazine. An additional article containing results, stories and photos of the 2007 Foxhunting Weekend is scheduled for the May 2008 issue of CQ.

Click here for CQ WW FW report form

Having refreshments at the end of the hunt is always a good idea. This special cake was waiting for finishing foxhunters at the 2005 Foxhunting Weekend ARDF hunt in Tri-City Park, Placentia, California.

Back to KØOV's Homing In home page

Go to Let's Go T-Hunting -- An introduction to the fun of mobile hidden transmitter hunts

Go to Latest Championship Foxhunting News -- Upcoming multi-nation foxhunts, plus Team USA's practice locations/dates

Go to International-Style Foxhunting Comes To The Americas -- How we're getting the ball rolling

Go to Equipment Ideas for Radio-Orienteering -- Simple and inexpensive receiving and transmitting solutions

Go to Try ARDF on 80 Meters -- The "other" radio-orienteering band

This page updated 22 February 2008