A Dry Day and Good Times
On Saturday, May 21st, Crescent Park in South Surrey was the site of the 2016 SARC Foxhunt (also known as a ‘bunny’ hunt). Anton’s request of the weather Gods apparently had some effect as it was cloudy and cool, but stayed dry. In total 23 people took part.
Les Tocko VA7OM was on site early and set out five 2 and 80 metre foxes in areas of the park. Each fox transmits a CW identifier numbered from 1 to 5 so participants can distinguish between their signals. Two of our recent Basic course graduates participated and two more turned out to have a look. Les familiarized the rookies in attendance on the basics of transmitter location techniques and loaned his 2 and 80 metre gear to get them started. Other participant included several SARC members and members of other local clubs. On 80m the hunt is considerably more effective as participants do not have to cope with reflected signals and other complications of 2m propagation.
At 10am, after a short briefing by Anton James VE7SSD, the event organizer, the foxes began emitting their beacon in turn and the hunt was on. Each fox was attached to a flag. Once found, the competitors used an attached punch to mark their scoring sheet. The completed sheet was returned to the timekeeper and the elapsed time was recorded.
Five 2m and eight 80m hunters entered. The fastest (and arguably one of the most experienced) 80m participant was Jan Vozenilek VA7VJ who found all five foxes with an impressive time of only 39 minutes. In the 2m category the top score was attained by Steve VE7FM and Karen Draper who located 5 foxes in 85 minutes. Second was Kapila Jayawera VE7KGK with 4 foxes in 92 minutes and John Brodie VA7XB with 3 foxes in 126 minutes.
A team licenced only last week, Bradley and Lawrence located all five 80m foxes in 55 minutes and all five 2m foxes in 36 minutes. The 80m third place went to Henry Dahl VE7HRY with five foxes in 64 minutes.
An excellent barbecue lunch, prepared by Anton’s wife Brenda, was served to xx guests. This social time provided an opportunity for a great exchange of information. Presentation of the coveted crystal bunny [photo left] to the top score in the 80m group and the pink fur bunny to the 2m top score concluded the event.
More photos at URL: tinyurl.com/FoxHunt16
Thanks Anton for organizing another great, and fun SARC event!
