Fox Hunting
Learn how to locate hidden transmitters using directional antennas, signal attenuation, careful observation, and a few clever radio-direction-finding techniques.
What is a fox hunt?
A fox hunt is a radio direction-finding activity where participants use receivers and directional antennas to locate one or more hidden transmitters. It can be done on foot, from vehicles, or as a combination of both. Pac Beach hunts may include easier beginner foxes as well as more difficult transmitters intended to challenge experienced hunters.
Basic fox-hunting equipment
Handheld Receiver
A 2-meter handheld radio, scanner, or other portable receiver gives you signal-strength information and lets you listen for the fox identification or beacon pattern.
Tape Measure Yagi
A lightweight directional beam made from flexible tape-measure elements and a PVC boom. It provides a useful forward peak and rear null while remaining durable and inexpensive.
Loop Antenna
A handheld loop can provide a sharp null that helps identify the direction of a transmitter. Loops are compact and work especially well when the hunter learns to follow the null rather than the strongest signal.
Offset Attenuator
As the fox gets closer, the signal may overload the receiver or leak directly into it. An offset attenuator creates a weaker mixed signal on a nearby frequency so direction finding can continue at very close range.
Techniques that help find the fox
Peak and Null Hunting
Rotate the antenna slowly and compare both the strongest direction and the deepest null. Nulls are often narrower and may provide a more precise bearing than the forward peak.
Body Shielding
Remove or collapse the antenna and use your body to block the signal. Turn slowly while holding the receiver close to your chest and watch for a signal drop behind you.
Using Harmonics
When the fundamental becomes too strong, try listening for a weaker harmonic or another related signal. A weaker received signal can restore useful directionality when you are close to the transmitter.
Triangulation
Take bearings from two or more separated locations and plot where the lines cross. This can quickly narrow the search area before transitioning to an on-foot hunt.
Watch for Reflections
Buildings, vehicles, fences, terrain, and other objects can reflect VHF signals. Compare several nearby bearings instead of trusting one reading taken next to a large reflective object.
Reduce Sensitivity
As you approach the fox, reduce RF gain, add attenuation, detune slightly, remove the antenna, or use a less-sensitive receiver so the signal-strength indication remains useful.
Fox-hunting equipment and build resources
These links include build plans, commercial equipment, and reference material for assembling a basic radio-direction-finding kit.
Equipment links are provided as examples and educational references. Pac Beach 2026 does not endorse a particular manufacturer or seller.
Join the hunt
Bring a handheld radio and team up with an experienced hunter, or bring your own Yagi, loop, attenuator, or experimental direction-finding setup. Pac Beach hunts are intended to be fun, practical, and accessible to first-time participants.