DAN SIMMONS Sportsman's Quest MORE COLUMNS SPECIAL TO THE PVT Nevada outdoors enthusiasts can look forward to a scene like this, and many other adventures, as the weather improves. Advertisement

It's now officially spring, but in many parts of the country you could argue that fact.

In southern Nevada, it's obvious and welcome. The trees are getting green and fruit trees are blooming, much to the delight of bees and us other inhabitants. I've even come out of hibernation and welcome you to another season of hunting, fishing, and adventure stories.

It hasn't been an unfruitful winter for this writer, as I've had the opportunity to travel, fish, and explore with friends, both old and new. I'll bring you some of their stories in the coming weeks.

Here on the home front, it's time to get ready for another season. Fishing reels need to be cleaned, oiled and re-lined. That tackle box that's been in storage with last season's line, corroded lures, and dried worms needs to be rehabilitated and organized, as is necessary for the experienced angler.

It's also time to get that boat and RV back in shape and tune-up their motors. An oil change and lube job would probably be a good start.

Spring is also the time to reconnect with old hunting and fishing friends and make some new ones by attending one, or several, of the spring outdoor shows and banquets (see below).

This will give you the opportunity to visit with last season's successful tag lottery winners and learn where the hot spots are.

Nevada Tag Deadline is this coming week - April 21 at 5 p.m.

You not only have to know of a productive area, the terrain, recent effects on the habitat, such as fire or drought, but you must also calculate the odds of being drawn.

How many hunters applied for your favorite area?

How many tags will be available?

Can you get the time off from work if you are fortunate enough or lucky enough to be drawn?

It seems every aspect of our lives has just gotten more complicated and, as they say in poker, "one must either fold, or play the hand."

Preseason scouting and familiar locations, which you know "like the back of your hand," are the secret to success.

The other option, which I recommend highly, is to get a guide. Choose either a friend who knows the new territory, or hire one if necessary.

Sure, it is more expensive to hunt in this way, but it is also expensive to take a week off work, drive around in circles, and never see game. There is no substitute for experience.

Many of us in Nevada, who understand the wisdom of "hedging a bet," apply each year for out-of-state tags, just in case we are unsuccessful drawing one here at home. This is usually in a neighboring state such as Utah, Arizona, Idaho, or California.

For more information and to apply on-line go to www.huntnevada.com

So, welcome to the new year, and I look forward to hearing your stories of last year's triumphs and this year's plans.

You will also be able to tune into the televised version of "Sportsman's Quest" on Pahrump's Channel 41. The English version will air on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and a special Spanish version will air on the same day at 9 a.m.

Events

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will hold the Las Vegas chapter banquet May 3, at 4:30 p.m. at Sam's Town Casino in Las Vegas. Call Cindy Cothron at 1-702- 433-3557 for more information.

* Fraternity of Desert Bighorns annual banquet is July 12, at South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner at 7. The auction will start at 7:30.

For more information visit www.desertbighorn.com or call Paul Harris at 1-702- 596-6849

* ICAST, International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, will hold "Follow your Instincts", the world's largest sportsfishing tradeshow, July 16 - 18, at the Las Vegas Convention center.

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If you have an adventure, a story or a comment, give me a call at 727-9777 or e-mail me at dansimmons@usa.net.