a. Fox
- The Fox shall be designated by whatever is agreeable
to the participants.
b. Frequencies
- The Fox Hunt frequency shall be 146.565 MHz, FM,
simplex, not to exceed 50w PEP. (The fox is actually harder to
find on higher power settings.
c. Transmissions
-
1. Initial
transmission must be of sufficient power to be readable at
the start point. (A hunt isn't much fun without a signal to
hunt.)
2. Transmitting
cycle shall be a minimum of 30-second transmission on a
regular cycle, i.e. 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off; a minute
on, a minute off; etc. The fox should transmit at least 1
minute out of 5. Morse Code may be used in place of voice,
or a "fox box" may be used. If not using a tape or
a fox box for transmission bring something to read. It is
difficult to talk one or two minutes every couple of minutes
for two hours. Not only do you get bored, but your voice
starts to go too.
3. A
remote automatic transmitter (Fox Box) or other means of
disguising the fox location may be used. If hiding the fox
box take care to ensure that it doesn't "Walk off"
with someone else. Try to be close enough that if it does
start to "walk off" you will be able to intercept
it.
4. Take
care to ensure you are on the correct frequency. Locking the
frequency helps.
d. Locations
-
1. Must
be handicap accessible. (No climbing or hiking through the
woods, etc.)
2. Must
be in Lawrence County. The only exception is north of
Lawrence County to the south shore of Lake Monroe and east
of Hwy 37. The eastern border of Lawrence County extended
north to the lake is the eastern edge of the fox hunt area.
The area south of the road at the Harrodsburg exit east of
Hwy 37 (the road to the dam) is also permissible.
3. Must
be on public property or public accessible property. No
private lands, "no trespassing," signs, etc. If in
doubt, it's probably not a good idea.
4. Must
NOT be anywhere that requires the hunters to pay a
fee to enter. State Parks, parking garages, etc. State Parks
ARE permissible during that part of the year
when fees are not charged.
5. Try
to avoid residential neighborhoods. Residents may be worried
about the "weird people with antennas" running
around their neighborhood. Also, increased traffic and
children present a safety hazard.
6. Should
be in a safe place. Consideration should be given for
someplace for the hunters to get off the road safely. The
fox should also consider their own safety. We're out to have
fun, not get hurt.
e. Duration
- The length of the hunt is two hours. Time may be
extended at the discretion of the fox.
a. Start
Point - The normal start point for the fox hunt
will be the Calvary Lutheran Church just off of Hwy 37 in
Bedford.
b. Start
Time - The start time varies according to the time
of year. In the summer months the normal start time is 4:30
PM. In the winter months the normal start time is 3:30 PM.
Night hunts are of course somewhat later (after dark). Please
try to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start
to enable your mileage to be recorded and get your equipment
ready.
c. Hunt
Schedule - The Hoosier Hills Ham Club Fox Hunt is
held on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Other hunts may be
held and the scheduled hunt may be moved.
d. Determination
of Winner - The winner is determined solely by
mileage. The hunter with the least recorded mileage to find
the fox shall be declared the winner. Odometer readings for
each vehicle are recorded at the start point. The hunters must
also drive to the fox, no parking and walking cross-country to
save mileage is allowed. If the fox box is hidden you do not
have to drive to it since it may be hidden where you can't
drive. Remember, finding the fox first is not as important as
using the most direct route. Take your time and be careful.
e. Picking
the Next Fox - The winner is usually tagged as the
next fox. They may decline or appoint someone else to be the
fox.
f. After
Hunt - Normally all the hunters and the fox gather
at a local eatery to dissect the hunt (and maybe the fox too)
and swap "war" stories. Each hunter traditionally
gives $1 to the winner to pay for his or her supper.
g. Courtesy
- No hunters shall transmit on the fox frequency
except in case of emergency or when asked by the fox.
(Rules prepared
by Keith Harris, N9KH)
Official Fox Hunt Rules