DAN SIMMONS Sportsman's Quest MORE COLUMNS SPECIAL TO THE PVT This is a lodge for hunters in Africa. Advertisement

We would all like to hunt and fish near home and have what we call our "secret hunting spots" or "fishing holes," but that's becoming more difficult each year for most of the country.

Have you thought of hunting or fishing a little farther from home, or in one of the world's hot spots like Africa, Central or South America, or Canada?

It can certainly be a bit pricey in some of these places, but with a little research you'll find it can be cheaper than some of those in-state hunts.

Certainly it helps to have a relative or friend in the industry, because like everything else, it's depends on who you know.

The key to starting is getting involved with your passion.

Go to a local or regional sportsman's banquet or convention, join a local or national organization or subscribe to a special outdoor magazine (many organizations include this with your membership).

The main thing is give yourself the chance to meet interesting, like-minded people.

If your area doesn't have a national organization's chapter -- start one. Support a local rod and gun club -- or start one. Many areas have local community fishing events or clubs -- join one. These are all great ways to make new friends.

While at an outdoor banquet they'll inevitably have auctions. I bought my first African Safari at one of these, at an incredible bargain, less than it cost me for an in-state deer hunt. These packaged trips usually include first class lodging, local transportation and meals.

Want an even better deal than the auction? Buy a couple of raffle tickets. Your odds are better at a banquet or convention than they are in the state tag lottery and the hunts are all inclusive.

All inclusive -- now that requires a bit of definition. They almost never include air travel to the state, province or country you're visiting, but check on line for special airline pricing. I've gone to Florida for $100, Vancouver, Canada, has the occasional $50 flight and my hunting and fishing pal, Ron Cross, even finds $7 flights to North Dakota. These are all round trip airfares, but as I said, you need to do your research. That's part of the experience.

These auctions and raffles include more than just hunts, though.

You'll find sporting and outdoor camping equipment, art, clothing, jewelry, and lots of other "stuff." My favorite is the many great deals on firearms.

I even attended a banquet where a new "tricked out" Dodge 4X4 was raffled. The odds on that were better than drawing a sheep tag.

Where do you start?

Here are some great organizations. Pick one, go on-line to see what they offer, attend one of their meetings or functions and get ready for a great and affordable adventure.

Local/Las Vegas: Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Mt. Charleston Chapter: E-mail, mtdreyer@hotmail.com;

Fraternity of the Desert Big Horn: www.desertbighorn.com.

National: Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation: www.elkfoundation.org;

Safari Club International: www.scifirstforhunters.org;

Grand Slam/Club Ovis: www.www.wildsheep.org;

National Wild Turkey Foundation: www.nwtf.org; or phone 800-843-6983.

North American Moose Foundation: www.moosefoundation.org or phone 208-588-2939;

Weatherby Foundation: www.weatherbyfoundation.org or phone 920-385-7252;

South African Hunters & Game Conservation Association: www.sahunt.co.za;

National Rifle Association: www.nra.org or phone 800-672-3888;

Mule Deer Foundation: www.muledeer.org or phone 888-375-3377;

Need more? E-mail dansimmons@usa.net. I'll look forward to seeing you on the trail.

What's new

You often read in this column about "people you meet along the way."

I met a gentleman recently right here in my hometown of Pahrump. His name is Jim Foster and he owns Quick Silver Rod Company which specializes in rebuilding classic bamboo and cane fishing rods.

He started doing this as a hobby after watching an episode of "How It's Made" on the Discovery Channel.

A long time fisherman, he moved to this area in 1990 and has held several technical positions in the private and public sector.

His hobby has now become an obsession to build beautiful custom rods at affordable prices, about half the price of other custom rods.

One he recently completed has a beautiful and unique reel seat and rod handle made of cocobolo wood from Brazil and silver maple from the north east.

It is a vintage bamboo fly rod converted to spinning and has an extraordinary sensitivity and feel. One like it is on my wish list.

If you have an old bamboo or cane pole hanging around, give Jim a call at his shop and see what he can do with it.

For more information on Quick Silver Rod Company, call 775-209-5486.

Events

* The Safari Club International Desert-Las Vegas Chapter banquet will be held Saturday at the Rio Convention Pavilion. For more information call Dave Small at 702-383-0321.

* The Safari Club International Convention is in Reno, Jan. 21-24. For more information go to www.safariclubinternational.org.

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If you have a story you would like to share e-mail dansimmons@usa.net.

Recipe of week

Whether you hunt around the world or closer to home here is an excellent recipe to be used following your next duck hunt.

First thing you need is a couple of ducks, preferably dead as the live ones make a mess of the kitchen and are hard to keep on the grill. This bit of information we learned from my fishing pal "Ol' Seldom" who has tried it both ways.

The only thing we have changed is the volume of beverage he adds to the recipe. He adds much more, but really likes the leftover marinade.

Ol' Seldom's Drunk Duck

Four boneless duck breast halves (approx. 6 ounces each) leave the skin on; 1 bottle of dark beer; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1/4 cup orange juice; 2 Tbsp maple syrup; 2 tsp soy sauce; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped; 2 tsp sea salt; 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper;

Combine all marinade ingredients except salt and pepper in zip-top bag (reserve 1/2 cup before placing duck breasts in bag for basting); marinate at least 2 hours in refrigerator; prepare grill for medium heat; remove duck from marinade, pat dry; sprinkle duck breasts with salt and pepper; grill skin side down until crisp and golden colored; turn and cook basing again, to desired doneness, remove from heat and let rest for approximately 5 minutes; slice thinly across the grain, serve with a wild rice mix and a crisp green salad.