[FoxHunt] cap/Ham foxhunts

[Kuon & Dale Hunt]

WB0KSW wrote:
>...  In my book, the more folks who can look
>for an ELT, or an errant or distressed Ham or other transmitter, the more lives
>we'll save.   Besides, It's FUN!


   I agree - any opportunity to hunt a transmitter is good!


   One other difference I've noticed between hams and some SAR teams is
   that on a search there is often a Command Post who is directing the
   teams, while hams are generally used to doing it on their own and
   making their own decisions where to go next.  I suspect the hams could
   often use more practice coordinating with other DF teams, particularly
   for the longer-distance searches.  And the SAR teams could often use
   more practice so they could determine when it was appropriate for them
   to be more self-directed. (And the operations leaders need practice
   in knowing how to direct the teams efficiently, too.)

   I remember one practice in a snow storm (in Southern California) around
   midnight when a team drove for half an hour down a ridgeline to take a
   bearing.  They dutifully radioed in the bearing to the command post,
   muttered, "Gee, that is a strong signal" to the other team members,
   and headed back to the main road.  Turns out they had been standing
   about 30' from the beacon - most hunters would have recognized the
   "YOU ARE HERE" signal strength and investigated a bit further.

   But this just points out that both groups have something to learn
   from the other.  And, because of the different styles, it is good
   to practice working together BEFORE an actual search so you can
   work out the kinks and know what to expect from each other.

        - Dale WB6BYU