What is Amateur Radio Fox Hunting?
Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF), commonly known as “fox hunting,” is an exciting activity that combines ham radio operation with orienteering and problem-solving skills. Participants use radio receivers and directional antennas to locate hidden transmitters (called “foxes”) that broadcast periodic signals.
In McKinney, our fox hunting activities provide a fun way to:
- Practice radio direction-finding techniques
- Improve your understanding of radio propagation
- Get outdoors and explore our local area
- Build camaraderie with fellow hams
- Develop practical skills useful in emergency communications
Whether you’re a seasoned ham or new to the hobby, fox hunting offers challenges for all skill levels.
Meet the McKinney Foxes
Our dedicated fox operators hide transmitters throughout the McKinney area, creating challenging hunts for our community:
Felicia – View Hunt Log
Marco – View Hunt Log
Steve – View Hunt Log
Each fox has their own style and favorite hiding spots. Check out their individual logs to see hunt history, locations, and hunter success rates.
Track Your Hunts
John (KC5JMD) maintains a comprehensive tracking system for all McKinney fox hunting activities:
📍 Fox Location Map – Interactive map showing all fox locations. Click markers for details about each hunt.
🏆 Hunter Leaderboard – See how you rank against other hunters. Click any callsign for detailed statistics.
📊 Weekly Totals – Track weekly hunting activity and participation trends.
Join the Hunt
Getting Started:
- A handheld VHF/UHF receiver (most foxes operate on 2 meters or 70 centimeters)
- Optional – A directional antenna (tape measure Yagi, handheld beam, or even body fade techniques work)
- Ham radio license not needed
- Transportation (vehicle or on foot, depending on the hunt)
How It Works:
- Foxes are hidden at various locations around McKinney
- The fox transmits periodically on an announced frequency
- Hunters use direction-finding techniques to locate the transmitter
- First to find (or closest within the time limit) wins!
- Log your finds through John’s tracking system
Questions?
Contact the McKinney Amateur Radio Club for more information about participating in fox hunts or volunteering as a fox operator.