Foxhunting

Foxhunting

MBTA Accessible Fox Hunt, Alewife-Cambridge Vicinity, September 27-28, 2025

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MBTA logoEliot Mayer, W1MJ, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list and Boston ARC mailing list:
 
The W1MJ fox will be deployed this weekend (September 27-28) on public land near Alewife Station, which is on the MBTA Red Line and several bus routes.  
 
If coming by car, start at one of the following parking lots:
 
Hours of Operation:
Saturday:  10:00 AM until 7:00 PM
Sunday:  7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
 
Frequency:  147.54 MHz
 
The fox is running 4 watts to a roll-up J-pole antenna, so bring your attenuator.  Depending upon how well shielded your radio is, hunting with no antenna may prove helpful.  Hunting on the 3rd harmonic (442.62 MHz) may also be helpful when you get very close.  For more information about this fox, see https://www.w1mj.com/fox/.
 
Foxhunting

W1MWS Fox Deployed, North Chelmsford, August 15, 2025

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W1MWS fox in ChelmsfordTim Miranda, W1MWS, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list at 3:44 PM on August 15, 2025:
 
My fox is on 146.565 MHz at the Bill Edge / Deep Brook reservation, 124 Dunstable Road, North Chelmsford, MA.
 
Settings got nuked so not sure how long it will run since it’s transmitting every 30 seconds.
 
You may not hear it from the parking lot on Dunstable Road; if you walk into the reservation on the main path you’ll hear it.
 
I’ll check on it tomorrow afternoon.
 
Tim Miranda W1MWS 
(978) 331-0930
Clubs / Foxhunting / Operating

Bristol County RA POTA and Fox Hunt, Colt State Park, Bristol RI, August 3, 2024

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BCRA/FRARA logoKevin Spratt, N1KJS, writes on the BCRA mailing list:
 
We are having our POTA and Fox Hunt this weekend at Colt State Park.  You have gotten an email announcing the location in Bristol, Rhode Island, and the time, 10:00 am.  Join us for the chance to get on the air with POTA and track down the micro Fox while in the Park.
 
You’ll also receive the updated August meeting announcement, which informs you that we are having a lunch meeting instead of the one on Monday.  So join us for lunch on August 9, 2025, in Somerset.  The lunch meeting is usually well attended, and we’d like to see as many new and established members as possible.  Please reach out to me with your reservations so that I can get the headcount to the venue.
 
Thanks again, and looking forward to seeing everyone.
 
Kevin Spratt, N1KJS
Vice President, BCRA
Field Day / Foxhunting

W1MJ Fox at Nashoba Valley ARC Field Day, Pepperell, June 28-29, 2025

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Eliot Mayer, W1MJ, writes on NEMassFoxHunters:
 
I will be deploying my fox this morning in the Heald Street Orchard in Pepperell, MA.  I hope to get it on the air by 10 AM, and leave it on until 2 PM on Sunday.  It will sleep from 9 PM to 7 AM.
 
The fox transmits once per minute on 147.540 MHz.  It outputs 4 watts to a roll-up J-pole.
 
If there is cell service at the orchard, I will send a brief follow up here to confirm deployment.
 
This fox hunt is a side activity of the Nashoba Valley ARC’s Field Day.  If you come to hunt, please stop by the FD site in the orchard to say hi.  You can even make a few contacts if you’d like.  If you are not an HF operator, visit the “Get on the Air” station, set up specifically for you.
 
Foxhunting

W1MJ Fox Deployed, Waltham, June 15, 2025

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Eliot Mayer, W1MJ, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list at 8:04 AM ET on July 15, 2025:
 
It looks like the weather will be nice today, so I am heading out now to hide my fox in DCR Beaver Brook Reservation North.  It should be on the air by 9:00 AM, and I will confirm deployment here once it is on the air.  I will retrieve it tomorrow (June 16) at 4:00 PM or later.
 
Parking areas for Beaver Brook Reservation North:
 
Fox frequency:  147.540 MHz
 
The W1MJ Fox transmits with 4 watts to a roll-up J-pole antenna.  Depending upon the equipment used, this can make finding the fox harder than with the more typical 50 mW foxes used by this group.  An attenuator can be helpful, as can tuning into the 3rd harmonic when you get close.  There is no logbook at the fox, but if you hunt for the fox, please let me know how it went at fox@w1mj.com.
 
73 DE W1MJ
Foxhunting

W1MJ Fox Deployed, Belmont, March 14, 2025

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Eliot Mayer, W1MJ, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list on March 14, 2025 at 12:59 PM:
 
The W1MJ Fox is on the air. 
 
Location:  Lone Tree Hill Conservation Area, Belmont, MA
 
Parking:  Main parking lot is on Mill St.  Parking is also allowed at Belmont Day School, but might be full if there is a school event.
 
Trail Map:  PDF  (see also AllTrails)
 
Frequency:  147.54 MHz
 
Schedule:  Transmits every 60 seconds from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.  Will be retrieved after 6:00 PM on Sunday.
 
The fox is transmitting with 4 watts to a roll-up J-Pole antenna.  The trail conditions are finally good, with just one spot slightly muddy due to stubborn ice still melting.  The weather should be awesome today and tomorrow, but iffy on Sunday.
Foxhunting

KD1D Fox Is On The Loose, Littleton, March 14, 2025

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Alan Hicks, KD1D, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list on March 14, 2025 at 3:39 PM:
 
The KD1D Fox is on the loose in Littleton, MA, operating on 146.565 MHz FM and transmitting a short spoken message about once per minute.
 
 
You should be able to hear it from Route 119.
 
Your best bet for entry is to take a road with a name similar to one of the USS Enterprise Starship Captains.
 
This is my old same Fox, operating on 146.565 MHz with a 25-second message repeating once per minute.  Output power is about 50 milliwatts.
 
I will retrieve it Sunday afternoon after 4 pm, since some rain is expected on Monday.
 
Happy Hunting and 73 de KD1D!
Foxhunting

KB1MGI Fox is QRV, Carlisle, September 15, 2024

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Jahn Salmi, KB1MGI, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters on September 15, 2024 at 6:30 PM:
 
I placed my 146.565 Fox Transmitter at the Towle Land off RT 225 in Carlisle.
 
See attached Map
 
To activate the Fox ID your call sign then press DTMF tone 2. Fox transmits for 30 second on 30 seconds off. for 15 minutes.
 
You will find the signal strength can vary greatly due to the hidden Fox Box location as you travel.
 
75 feet off a trail. No bush whacking needed
Sign the log book with call sign and how long it took you to find it.
 
I’ll leave it out until Friday
 
John, KB1MGI
Towle Land map
Foxhunting / Licensing Education & Training

Foxhunting Class at Boston Amateur Radio Club, Brighton, September 7, 2024

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Boston ARC logoChris Larosee, AC1RV, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list:
 
 
I will teach a Foxhunting class on September 7th at Artisans Asylum through the Boston Amateur Radio Club with additional support from BERG.  I focus on mindset/hypothesis testing to find the fox and learn about radio more broadly. These are skills taught to me in my work tracking wildlife with the same technology for the USGS.
 
[Artisans Asylum is located at 96 Holton St, Brighton MA 02135.]
Foxhunting

Fox to be Deployed in Hamilton, August 10, 2024

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Jim Barber,  K1TT, writes on NEMassFoxHunters at 11:29 AM on August 5, 2024:
 
WHEN: Saturday, August 10th at 1 PM. Rain date Sunday the next day, same time. We may need the rain date! 
 
WHERE: John J. Donovan Reservation & Sagamore Hill Conservation Area, 473 Sagamore Street, Hamilton MA
 
This is a wonderful Greenbelt property. The paths are gravel road or mowed grass with some hills. There are a lot of open fields. It is a very popular spot for dog walking, horseback riding, and bird watching. Dogs are welcome at this reservation off leash when away from the parking lot.
 
The Fox will be right next to a path or road, No need for bushwhacking.
 
The fox will transmit on 146.565 MHz at 0.5 watt. The third harmonic is 439.695 The fox will play tones followed by my call sign in CW for 30 seconds on and 60 seconds off.
 
Map of Reservation: For Map Click Here
 
This is our first attempt at running a walking fox hunt. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Watch this space or Radio Active Cape Ann – Facebook page for weather updates. 
 
Happy hunting! 
 
Jim Barber K1TT
Clubs / Foxhunting

Cape Ann Fox Hunt, July 27, 2024

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CAARA logoBrandon Hockle, NQ1W, writes on the Cape Ann ARA mailing list:

On Saturday, July 27,/2024, Jim Barber, K1TT, will host Cape Ann Radioactive FB Group’s first fox hunt by car.

Participants will meet at 668 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA, at 11 AM, rain or shine.

The fox will be in Jim’s car (everyone will see it at the start) parked on a public road or parking area viewable from the road.

The fox will be on Cape Ann proper, Gloucester and Rockport, no need to cross the bridges over the Annisquam River.

The fox will transmit on 146.565 MHz at 0.5 watts. With such low transmitting power the fox may not be heard at all until the hunter is within a quarter mile. The fox will play tones followed by my call sign in CW for 30 seconds on and 30 seconds off.

We will have a two hour time limit on finding the fox. If everyone does so quickly we will attempt a second hunt. Sorry, no prizes, just bragging rights, as this is our first hunt. At sometime in the near future we will also have a hunt on foot.

Because fox hunts do not require transmissions by the hunters, an amateur radio license is not required to participate. we have a few handheld radios we can lend out to unlicensed folks who wish to play. 

Questions?

Contact Jim Barber, K1TT, by checking out Radio Active Cape Ann or email: capeann@hotmail.com.

Cheers de K1TT

Foxhunting

KD1D Fox QRV in Littleton/Ayer Area, July 19, 2024

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Alan Hicks, KD1D, wites on the NEMassFoxHunters list at 7:50 PM on July 19, 2024:

The KD1D Fox is out again on this much milder weekend. 

 
To find it, you’ll need to travel on Route 110 (between Littleton Common and the Ayer line).   You will likely hear the transmitter when you get to the intersection of Route 110 (King Street) with I-495.
 
The KD1D Fox  transmits a 25 second voice message every 60 seconds on 146,565 MHz FM simplex with an out power of about 50 milliwatts.
 
When you find it, please enter your 1st name, callsign date and time in the logbook, as usual.
 
The transmitter location is less challenging physically than some of the previous hiding spots.  I plan to retrieve the Fox on Monday afternnon.
 
If you have questions or need a hint, drop me an email at kd1d@arrl.net
 
You can also try the Westford PART repeater  (146.955 MHz – PL 74,4) for information on the area or foxhunting hints.
Happy Hunting and 73 DE KD1D (Alan)
Foxhunting

KD1D Fox Hiding out in LIttleton, June 15, 2024

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Alan, KD1D, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list on June 15, 2024:

The KD1D Fox is once again at the Prouty Woods conservation area in Littleton, MA.  The official entry point to the trail is at the end of Wilderness Road, which starts just past the Police Station Parking lot.  Follow the semi-paved road (Speed Limit 10 mph), keeping an eye out for the resident chickens.  You can park near the barn and gate.  

The KD1D Fox is a 55 mW beacon transmitter, repeating a 25 second voice message every 60 seconds on 146.565 MHz FM simplex.

You probably won’t be able to hear the transmitter until you get behond utility pole # 22, so be patient and enjoy the woods and critters.  

I plan to leave the Fox out until noon on Tuesday.   If you can’t make it on the weekend, it should still be transmitting after work hours on Monday evening.

When you find it, please enter Callsign, Name, Date and Time in the logbook.

Best of luck! 73 DE KD1D Alan

Foxhunting

W1MJ Fox Deployed, Belmont, May 17, 2024

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Eliot Mayer, W1MJ, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list on May 17, 2024 at 7:16 PM:
 
The W1MJ Fox is deployed for the weekend.
 
Location:  Lone Tree Hill Conservation Area in Belmont, MA
Parking:  Mill St (main parking lot), Belmont Day School, and a spot or two along Concord Ave
 
Fox Details
Call:  W1MJ
Frequency:  147.54 MHz (corrected from previous post)
Power:  4 watts
Hours of Operation:  7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Local Time, May 18-19
 
This fox is running much higher power than most of the other foxes announced on this forum.  Come prepared – attenuator, 3rd harmonic in memory, etc.
 
Map of Lone Tree Conservation Area
 
Foxhunting / Licensing Education & Training

Fox Hunting Course at Boston ARC Proposed at Artisans Asylum, Allston

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Chris LaRosee, KC1TSA, writes on the Boston ARC mailing list:
 
I’m planning to introduce a 4-weekend RF Foxhunting course and plan to pitch the idea tomorrow at our meeting. The course aims to dive into RF foxhunting, mixing theory with hands-on practice. It’s a chance to sharpen our skills and potentially draw in new faces to the hobby. Here’s the breakdown:
 
– **Week 1**: I’ll cover the basics—what foxhunting is, the gear we need, and understanding RF propagation with a field demo of polar patterns. 
– **Week 2**: Shirley KE1L will guide us in building our own directional antennas. It’s a DIY project with immediate practical use.
– **Week 3**: Liam Platt, an electrical engineer, will help us build diode-based attenuators. We’ve got custom PCBs and all parts ready.
– **Week 4**: We wrap up with a real foxhunt, using the gear we’ve built.
 
**Costs & Materials**: We’re looking at around $132 per person to cover materials (antennas, attenuators, radios) if we have 5 people join. This includes everything they need to start, with a bit of margin for the unexpected. 
 
**Goals**: Beyond the fun and learning, this could be a great way to get more people into RF and ham radio. It’s hands-on, it’s outdoors, and it ends with everyone actually using what they’ve built.
 
I’ll go into more detail during our meeting tomorrow, but wanted to give you a heads-up. Looking forward to making this happen!
 
Foxhunting

W1MJ Fox On the Air in Burlington, February 9, 2024

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Eliot Mayer, W1MJ, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list on February 9, 2024 at 1:35 PM:
 
The W1MJ fox is now on the air in Burlington.
 
Location:  Mary Cummings Park
Good GPS address for parking:  30 Blanchard Rd, Burlington, MA 01803
Frequency:  147.54 MHz
Operating Schedule:  Transmits once per minute from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM at least until this Sunday 2/11/2024 at 4:45 PM.
Transmitter Power:  4 watts – Be prepared with attenuator, 3rd harmonic in memory, or other techniques for when you get close
 
This fox has no log.  Please email reports to fox@w1mj.com
 
More info about this fox:  http://www.w1mj.com/fox/