First Annual VBARC Fox Hunt
 Ok, so maybe it's not really the first, but since I have only anecdotal data on any previous VBARC Fox Hunts, I am going to roll with it...
Saturday, September 27th is the date of the contest. Yes, that is strategically positioned to take place the weekend after the Virginia Beach Hamfest! Make sure you purchase anything you need there! This event is open to the general public, as no license is required to find the fox! No transmit required, no license required... Of course, we expect that most registrants will be licensed Amateurs, but this is the perfect opportunity to bring along that buddy whom has expressed some interest in Amateur Radio! The fox will be located within the confines of First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach. While not all of the details have been hammered out, and we don't wish to release the rules until they have been scrubbed by several sets of eyeballs - we have established that individuals and teams may register (teams will only be allowed to operate one receiver at any time).
A plaque will be awarded to the registrant (single or team) that finds the 2 meter fox. Only one plaque will be awarded (i.e. individual winning team members will not all receive a plaque). All registrants that participate in the hunt will receive a certificate suitable for framing.
Click for a larger image
Registration will be free, but bear in mind that the park will want $5 for parking, unless you hike or bicycle in. There are nine trails within the park, but only one allows bicycles. The area in which the fox will be hiding will be visible from one of these trails. That is to say, you will not need a machete to cut a path off a trail! First Landing State Park is a beautiful natural area and as good stewards, we should ensure that we leave it in better condition than that in which we found it (i.e. bring a small trash bag, in case you find some).
So if you have never participated in a Fox Hunt, now is the time to start surfing the net and reading up on radio direction finding... The September VBARC meeting will feature a presentation on Fox Hunting methods! Additionally, here is some detailed information on First Landing State Park and it's trail system from the Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation.
Maps courtesy of Virginia DCR | 
