Transmitter Hunting (Fox Hunting)

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NARS Fall 2026 Fox Hunt and Club Picnic will be held Saturday November 7, 2026 at Burroughs Park 9738 Hufsmith Rd, Tomball, TX 77375 

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One of the most enjoyable and educational activities in amateur radio is transmitter hunting, commonly known as fox hunting. This unique aspect of the hobby combines radio operating skills, electronics knowledge, map reading, and outdoor adventure into a fun and challenging event. Participants use radio direction-finding techniques to locate a hidden transmitter, known as the "fox," using handheld radios, directional antennas, and signal strength observations.

In a typical fox hunt, one operator hides a small transmitter somewhere within a designated area while other participants attempt to locate it. Hunters listen to the signal and use directional antennas, such as Yagi antennas or handheld loop antennas, to determine the direction of the transmission. By taking bearings from multiple locations and following the strongest signal, hunters gradually narrow their search area until the transmitter is found. Hunts can range from simple exercises in local parks to complex events covering entire cities or wide rural areas.

Fox hunting provides an excellent opportunity to develop practical skills that can be valuable during emergency situations. The same radio direction-finding techniques used to locate a hidden transmitter can help identify sources of radio interference, track down malfunctioning equipment, locate emergency beacons, or assist public safety agencies during search-and-rescue operations. Many amateur radio operators first learn these techniques through club-sponsored fox hunts before applying them to real-world communications challenges.

Beyond the technical lessons, fox hunting is simply a great deal of fun. It encourages teamwork, friendly competition, and problem-solving while getting operators out from behind their radios and into the field. Participants often discover that success depends just as much on strategy and observation as it does on radio equipment. New hams quickly gain confidence in their radio skills, while experienced operators enjoy the challenge of testing their equipment and techniques against other hunters.

Many amateur radio clubs host fox hunts throughout the year as part of their training and educational programs. These events are an excellent way for members of all experience levels to learn about radio propagation, antenna design, signal attenuation, and direction-finding methods in a hands-on environment. Whether conducted on foot, by bicycle, or from vehicles, transmitter hunting remains one of amateur radio's most engaging activities, combining technology, adventure, and fellowship into a memorable experience.

For many radio amateurs, the thrill of finally spotting the hidden transmitter after following clues and chasing signals makes fox hunting one of the most rewarding activities in the hobby. It demonstrates that amateur radio is about much more than simply talking over the airwaves. It is about learning, experimentation, public service, and having fun while developing skills that can make a real difference when they are needed most.

Club Radio Station

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The club has a radio station set up in the radio room within the emergency operations center at Harris County ESD 16 Administration.

HF Radios

• Icom IC-7300 | 100W HF/50MHz SDR Transceiver
• Icom IC-746PRO | 100W HF/50MHz Transceiver
• Yaesu FT-8800R | UHF/VHF Mobile Transceiver (used to link to the 443.075 repeater in downtown Houston  )

Antennas

• Mosley PRO-67-C-3 | 7 band, 7 element beam, 24-foot boom (40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m)
• Comet GP-3 | Dual band 2m/70cm vertical Antenna
• Unknown | UHF Yagi antenna (pointed to 443.075 repeater)
• Unknown | 4-element VHF/UHF Yagi antenna

Tower

• Rohn 45G | 50-foot Free-standing
• Yaesu G-1000DXA | Rotor and Controller

Request Access to Radio Room

You can access the Administration building and radio room once Harris County ESD No. 16 performs a background check and provides you an access card.  The access card provides you access to the front door, the door to the hallway to the radio room and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) where the radio room is located.