Winter Field Day + POTA: Activation at Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Reserve (US-7659)

This year’s Winter Field Day was one to remember! I decided to combine the excitement of Winter Field Day with a Parks on the Air (POTA) activation — something I’ve been wanting to do for a while. The chosen spot? Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Reserve, park number US-7659.

Despite the cold, the setup went smoothly. I ran with an ICOM 7300 as my transceiver and alternated between two antennas: a 15-foot vertical whip and a home brew doublet. Both performed well under the conditions, and together they helped me rack up a total of 100 contacts during the event with a total score of 1200 points.

There’s something special about operating portable in the winter — the crisp air, the challenge of the elements, and the thrill of making contacts from a remote location. Pairing that with a POTA activation added an extra layer of fun and purpose to the day.

If you haven’t tried a Winter Field Day POTA combo yet, I highly recommend it. It’s a great way to test your gear, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with fellow hams from across the country. Looking forward to the next one already!

73!