Patoka Valley Amateur Radio Club announces POTA activation and Fox Hunt

The Patoka Valley Amateur Radio Club (PVARC) invites the public and amateur radio operators to join the club for a Parks on the Air (POTA) activation and amateur radio fox hunt on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Ferdinand State Forest.

The club will meet at the Sycamore Shelter, with station setup beginning at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The POTA activation will begin at 10:00 a.m.

During the POTA activation, club members will set up portable amateur radio stations and attempt to make contacts with other amateur radio operators throughout the United States and around the world. Visitors will have an opportunity to see amateur radio equipment in operation and learn how today’s amateur radio operators communicate using voice and digital technologies.

Later in the day, PVARC will conduct an amateur radio fox hunt. A hidden radio transmitter—the “fox”—will be placed somewhere in the area, and participants will use radio direction-finding techniques to locate it.

Everyone is welcome. You do not have to be a licensed amateur radio operator to attend. If you’ve ever wondered what amateur radio is, how far radio signals can travel, or how amateur radio can be used for recreation and emergency communications, this is a great opportunity to come out, meet local operators, and see the hobby firsthand.

Event Information

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Location: Ferdinand State Forest – Sycamore Shelter
Station Setup: 9:00 a.m. ET
POTA Activation: 10:00 a.m. ET
Fox Hunt: Later in the day

Bring the family, stop by, and join the Patoka Valley Amateur Radio Club for a day of amateur radio in the outdoors. Experienced operators, new hams, and anyone interested in learning more about amateur radio are welcome.