Tactical Fox

Posted by Roadwolf on July 3, 2025 Hobbies

Tactical Fox: The Next Level of Fox Hunt

I have been working on a new type of HAM Radio game. My firends and I used to play something like this, up in Toronto in the mid 2000's when we were messing around. This is like a fox hunt, but the fox doesn't transmitt. Instead, the chase vehicles - or hunters, must transmit. The fox has to complete their objectives and the chase vehicles must solve the code.

This game combines elements of visual surveillance, HAM Radio tactical communications, coded message transmission and interpetation, and unpredictability in a dynamic urban environment.

The Roles:

• The Fox

  • One vehicle that must visit 3 predetermined (but unknown to the chasers) locations.

  • At each location, stops briefly and displays a code sign for observation. This could be a lawn type sign, or a sign taped up to a structure (with permission).

  • Tries to avoid being visually tracked - but doesn't drive recklessly, and drives with normal traffic.

  • Isn't aware of the Chasers radio transmissions - can only react if they spot a chaser.

• Chasers

  • Teams in vehicles who attempt to visually reacquire and verify the Fox.

  • Must relay coded position reports by radio to other Chasers.

  • Must avoid being detected up close by the Fox (each Chaser has a printed code displayed in their windows which - if seen by the fox, elininates them).

• The Overseer (rides with the fox)

  • Monitors all chaser radio transmissions (usually with headphones).

  • Validates received codes.

  • Awards points for accurate, timely reports.

The Game:

• Game Start

  • Fox departs from a known starting point.

  • Chasers begin from a start point nearby, visually observing the fox, but still a block or two away.

  • Each team must maneuver independently to reacquire visual contact - or track parrallel courses.

• Observation & Reporting

  • When a team spots the Fox, they transmit the Fox's current position using a standard code, mentioned below.

  • Radio discipline: Only the closest confirmed observer transmits to prevent clutter. Chasers must identify their callsign every 10 minutes minimum - and end each trnasmission with the last two or three letters of their call - or an agreed upon prefix for their unit.

  • Others wait in listening mode until they have visual confirmation themselves.

• Proximity Penalty

  • If the Fox can clearly read the printed placard or identifier in your vehicle window, you are knocked out (disqualified from further observation).

  • This prevents tailgating or obvious tailing.

• Destination Code Gathering

  • At each of the 3 target destinations:

    • The Fox parks and displays a unique code sign (e.g., a 4-letter code in the window).

    • Chasers must record the code visually (no relays of codes by radio).

  • Teams must eventually collect all 3 codes to complete the game.

• End Game

  • After the final destination, the Fox stops at the finish location.

  • Overseer tallies:

    • All correct positional reports.

    • Which teams collected each code.

    • Timing of observations.

• Scoring

  • Points for each accurate position report (recorded by Overseer).

  • Bonus points for gathering all 3 codes.

  • Penalty for being caught too close.

Chaser Codes:

"Beaver Bound, NMA, Slot 2, 3 in the Bag, (3 Shade), TNT NPA. RWL."

This would be a typical coded report. Direction of travel, Street, Lane location, Speed, (number of vehicles that the chaser is following the Fox by - optional) and Intersection being passed. Followed by the Chasers identifier.

Because these codes would be published and public - use of them on HAM radio doesn't go against the spirit of the rules. Their intention is only to speed up the flow of position reports, and force the Chasers to think on the fly about what the codes are for each street they need to transcribe into the code format. Their purpose is to create a fun and tactical atmosphere.

1. Direction:

North Bound = Beaver Bound
South Bound = Birdie Bound
East Bound = Boston Bound
West Bound = Berkley Bound

2. Street Names:

Last letter, and First TWO letters = Street Name.
i.e. Main Street = NMA. and Patterson Road = NPA.

3. Other codes:

Slot = Lane number, the lanes closest to the center or leftmost driving lane are considered Slot 1.
# in the Bag = Speed in 10's So '3 in the Bag' would be about 30mph.
TNT = Thru and Thru, which indicates that the Fox continued through the intersection.
Fire in the Sky = Red Light
Fresh Water = New Green Light
Stale Water = Green Light that may turn soon.
8 Sider = Stop Sign
Push = Gas (used for Gas Station, fueling, or reference)
Tango Hotel = Tim Hortons
Arches = McDonalds
Under the Over = Under a Bridge
Over the Under = Over a Bridge
Stitches = Railway Crossing
Slide = On/Off Ramp
Shade = How many cars are between chase vehicle and Fox (useful for determining how close the Fox is to noticing the Chaser).