[FoxHunt] USA foxhunting championships in Texas this May

[Homingin at aol.com]

It's almost time for the biggest annual on-foot transmitter hunting event in 
the Western Hemisphere.  Registration is now open for the Eighth USA ARDF 
Championships, which take place May 8 - 10, 2008 at Bastrop State Park near 
Austin, Texas.  The best radio-orienteers in the USA will be there, but the courses 
will also be open to anyone, from any nation, at any radio foxhunting skill 
level, with or without a ham radio license.
 
With rolling terrain and woods full of loblolly pines, Bastrop State Park is 
an ideal orienteering venue.  Locals call these trees the Lost Pines, because 
they are over 150 miles from the large forests of east Texas.  Deer, raccoon 
and armadillo make their home there, as well as over 250 bird species.  
Excellent maps by the Houston Orienteering Club will be given to competitors before 
they set out on the course.
 
The championships get under way on Thursday with practice and equipment 
testing, followed by a meeting for orientation and rules review.  The two-meter 
contest will take place on Friday, after which all will gather for special supper 
in the evening.  Saturday's schedule includes the 80-meter contest and an 
awards ceremony, timed to end in mid-afternoon to accommodate those who must 
hurry home for Mother's Day activities.
 
National ARDF Championships are for individuals only.  No teaming or 
assistance on the course is permitted.  Participants are divided into five age 
categories for males and four age categories for females in accordance with standard 
IARU rules.  Medals for first, second and third places will be awarded in each 
category on each band.
 
Even if you have never competed in an ARDF event before, you will be welcomed 
at the USA Championships.  USA's best foxtailers are expected to attend, as 
well as expert visitors from abroad.  They are always helpful to newcomers.
 
A $70-per-person package includes the practice session, both competitions, 
the Friday dinner and a T-shirt.  A variety of lodging options are available in 
the area, as well as overnight camping.  The registration form and more 
details are at <_http://www.texasardf.org/usa2008/_ 
(http://www.texasardf.org/usa2008/) >.  More information on the sport, including rules and equipment 
suggestions, is at <_www.homingin.com_ (http://www.homingin.com) >.
 
Please pass this announcement on to local transmitter hunters and ham clubs.  
See you there!
 
Joe Moell K0OV
USA ARDF Coordinator
_homingin at aol.com_ (mailto:homingin at aol.com) 
_www.homingin.com_ (http://www.homingin.com) 
 



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