Results FOXHUNT (Amateur Radio style) Sunday, August 28, 2011 Ft. Flagler State Park Last revised: Sept. 5, 2011
Deep forest of Ft. Flagler

Summary:

We had seven participants on a beautiful summer day:
Alan, N7OMS;  Rich, KR7W; Anthony, KE7HQY; Marsha, KA7CSZ;  Pat, WT7N;  James, KE6WHN and Neil, WA7NBF.  Anthony joined us  from Kirkland. Alan and I first met him last year at a U of Washington hunt.  Rich helped get him set up and he found at least two of the bunnies.

As you can see below, it was optimized for the more experienced hunters but beginners had fun too.

WA7NBF's #3 transmitter was placed so as to make it difficult to find and challenging.  All seemed to agree that the required effect was obtained.  We're going to keep the method our secret but all our hunters know the trick used.  It had a small "first to find prize" of which Jim, KE6WHN was the first again this year.  He even started late and had competition at the site from Rich.  Jim, "your turning into a great bunny hunter"!

The group with Marsha behind the camera	Neil & Alan cross paths out in the woods	Rich trying to RDF his wife?
Jim, KE6WHN won first to find prize, 2nd time	Rich's beach bunny hidding in holly	WA7NBF chasing beach bunny

This was the first time anyone placed a bunny at or near the beach.  It was an easy location but I was afraid that someone might try to hide on the "bluffs" which can be hazardous.

I believe all used their vehicle for localization to each sector.  One transmitter was in the north end near the "dumpsters" and was placed by the large metal objects to effect propagation.  Another was placed in a patch of "nettles" by accident and I didn't realize it till I got the antenna and transmitter placed.  I then figured that others should suffer from my stupidity as well. 

We had Alan chasing a bunny but not having the correct frequency.  I passed him on the trail and he said he couldn't hear it.  After realizing that Rich and I published the frequency in error, we had to admit that the bunny was real.  Its really hard to find foxes when you don't have the correct frequency! We told everyone that they should expect a hunt harder than normal

We talked about other parks in the Kitsap area where we might have a future hunt.  Probably scout it out over this coming winter.

Pre-event Planning:

Once a year I try to hold a foxhunt that could be considered a little more challenging then basic beginner meets.  Often, this means the unusual and outside the standard ARDF format. I plan on hiding three foxes but would like others to add to the field.  I've divided the park up into sectors, see map, and anyone who would like to hide a "fox" before the start is encouraged to do so.  Sectors allow you to hide w/o others nearby watching and encourages use of the entire park.  If you want to hide in a specific sector, let me know and I'll reserve it for you.  You don't have to use the sector idea if you don't want too.

General Information:

About the beach

Ft. Flagler is great for beach combing but keep in mind that access is limited as follows:

• South beach area; easy access from the lower campground
• North Northwest beach, only access is from lower campground or Marrowstone Point.  Cliffs restrict access, otherwise.  This is the best beach.
  
• East beach access limited to end of road near Sewage plant past Battery Wansboro or Marrowstone Point. Least popular beach
  

Those hiding foxes should keep access in mind if you want to try one on the beach.

Maps of area:

A PDF map showing roads, trails, sectors, start location and boundary with True North is available here.
And a TOPO map here.

Transmitters: