Apart from a radio receiver and vehicle what are the basics will you need on your first radio foxhunt?
Good Map:
Make sure you have a good set of maps covering your hunting area. The Nottingham hunting area for instance is large, covering the best part of two Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 maps.
Once you have your map you may want to cut it up into smaller, more manageable pieces, as trying to fold a 'full' O.S. map in a small car can be pretty tricky.
A good tip is to cover the map with adhesive backed transparent film, or get your local stationer to laminate it for you. Once this is done your map will last a lot longer and it will be quite easy to draw bearings on your map with a crayon, and wipe them off after the hunt.
Compass:
If you have a laminated map and are going to draw lines (vectors) on it to represent the direction of the signal, then you will need a compass to correctly orientate your map with respect to your surroundings. Don't forget to stand well away from your car when taking bearings or it may affect the compass reading.
So, rather than using the car bonnet as a drawing board, you could use a surplus piece of MDF or even a clipboard.
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A good torch is a must toward the end of the hunting season. It is both useful as a map light, and for hunting for the hidden transmitter once the nights start drawing in.
Remember foxes can hide in some pretty dark places, so don't forget to check the batteries are in good shape before you set out!
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Suitable Clothing:
Radio foxhunting can take you over all sorts of terrain, slippery banks, muddy areas with puddles and even the odd hedge bottom so sensible clothing is essential.
Stout shoes that are capable of withstanding wet conditions, a waterproof coat and rugged trousers are well worth the investment!
It is always worth keeping a plastic bag handy in your pocket too, you can slip your radio into it should you be caught out of the car in a sudden shower.
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