The thrill of the hunt is alive and well in amateur radio. Along with contesting, a challenge that many accept is that of "working", or  contacting, as many countries in the world as possible.  This interest of mine is supported locally through my involvement with the Swan Island Dx Association which is a group of excellent DXers and top notch fellows. 

There are currently 338 "radio" countries and once you make contact the next step is to verify, or confirm that contact thru a QSL card. The QSL card is basically a post card that proves contact between the two stations took place.  Various awards are available for those who accept this challenge as they achieve different levels of success on the way to working each country.

My current country totals are:

Mixed 344/338

CW 301/296

SSB 337/331

  I am a member of the DXCC Honor Roll,5 Band DXCC, and hold DX Century Club membership in Mixed, CW, and SSB.