Typically, the T-Hunt frequency is 146.565 MHz, but it can be different, or there may be multiple frequencies/transmitters even on different bands. Still, 146.565 MHz is more common than not.
Options on how to get a bearing when the signal is strong:
1. Tune off frequency slightly in either direction, it does not matter which. The farther you tune away from the signal frequency, the more attenuation you are introducing. Do not tune too far where you cannot see/hear the signal.
2. The third harmonic is 3X the hunt frequency which gives us 439.695 MHz. Using the third harmonic introduces a significant amount of attenuation. I forget how much, but you may lose the signal and need to use option #1 most of the time.
You are correct that performing both of these options may be needed to obtain a bearing. The more you practice, the better. I have learned to do both out of habit with #1 being the first choice as #2 may result in not getting a signal at all when too far away.
Okay, without having your own T-Hunt transmitter to test with, another way could be to use your local NOAA weather frequency. Tune to its main frequency and spin 360 while observing the signal strength. A signal strength meter is better than only "listening" to how loud/weak the audio is. That NOAA signal is usually massive, so you may need to tune off frequency right away. Thus, if your NOAA freq is 162.400 MHz, start tuning up to 162.405, 162.410, 162.415 until you no longer hear/see the signal. Then step it back one frequency step and spin around to get a bearing. As it is easy for you to find out where your local NOAA transmitter is, you can use that to confirm your bearing. Still, you need to learn about triangulation. Once you have your initial bearing, even if you know where the transmitter is, get in your car and drive a few miles and get another bearing. Then, get in your vehicle and do it again. Do the bearings all match up? Keep driving in the direction of the signal and testing using more and more attenuation by dialing off frequency.
Testing this way can be problematic if you have two or more local NOAA stations and as you tune away from one, you come up on the other. You need to find out that first for your area and offset tune in the other direction. Also, remember that the NOAA stations are typically transmitting significantly more watts and signal strength than you would experience for a T-Hunt.
Try the above and it will help you with the basics and understanding attenuation. You don't always need to use that loop antenna either. You can and should try using the antenna that came with your radio and use the body fade technique (360 turn) while holding the radio against or very near to your body. Basically, your body is attenuating the signal from behind you to some degree and provides directivity.
This stuff is the basics. You really need to master this and riding/walking along with someone that has experience will help. You'll use your gear and they'll use theirs. Its okay if you think the signal is coming from a different direction from them. Just go with their choice and once the hunt is over, analyze why your readings were different. Was there a large metal vehicle in the direction you thought the signal was coming from? That was a reflection of the signal, and not its true direction.
All of that basic understanding helps, but a knowledgeable fox can put on a very difficult hunt for even the most seasoned hunters. Again, pairing up with someone will help to prevent you from being discouraged as you start out on this. You'll also find out that some hunters you're paired up with, may be terrible.
