 Fox
Hunting
Have you tried ham radio's version
of foxhunting?
It's lots of fun and you might win yourself some medals. Amateur Radio
Newsline's Joe Moell, K0OV, has the story of this year's direction finding
championships.
More and more hams every year are discovering the fun of tracking hidden
radio transmitters in their cars or on foot. The on-foot variety of foxhunting
has become an international sport, with names such as foxtailing, radio-orienteering
and ARDF. USA is one of about 30 countries
with an active ARDF program, including national championships and participation
in the World Championships every two years.
To see the USA's best on-foot foxhunters in action, to learn from them,
and to try it for yourself, make plans to come to North Carolina this
spring. The Sixth USA ARDF Championships get under way April 7, with practice
sessions, a big two-meter hunt, and another hunt on 80 meters. It's open
to anyone at any foxhunting skill level, with or without a ham license.
If you're a senior, don't worry about trying to compete against teenagers.
Equal medals will be awarded in five separate age categories for OM's
from under 18 to over 60. There are four similar age categories for the
YLs. The big forest site is right next to the Raleigh/Durham airport.
What's the reward? The possibility of a medal and a place on our country's
team going to the ARDF World Championships in Bulgaria this coming September.
We can only field a maximum of three people in each age category, so our
national championships determine who will go.
Will this be the year that you win a radio-orienteering medal? The registration
deadline is coming soon. So for everything you need to know about the
USA Championships, including schedules, registration forms and equipment
ideas, point your Web browser to www.homingin.com.
You can also learn about the World Championships in Bulgaria and how you
might join ARDF Team USA.
In my next report, I'll tell you about a way to get the foxhunting fun
going in your own home town.
Joe Moell, K0OV
Amateur Radio Newsline
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