AWARDS

While we continue our search for a successor to K1BV as Awards Editor, we’ll continue to profile CQ’s own operating awards with a close-up look at USA-CA (the USA Counties Award), including some rules updates and the introduction of a new award custodian. –W2VU

Quick! How many counties are there in the United States? If you’re a county hunter, you’ll know the answer off the top of your head. And if you think it’s a challenge to make confirmed contacts with 100 countries or all 50 states for ARRL’s DXCC or Worked All States awards, try on CQ’s USA-CA for size.

Earning the USA-Counties Award coun ty in state in the United States. How many is that? How about 3,077? Even with an introductory level of “only” 500 counties, USA-CA is and has always been one of the most challenging awards in amateur radio. But the really amazing thing about USA-CA is that it isn’t just a piece of “wallpaper.” Rather, the quest for counties provides a snapshot of what our hobby can be and should be all about.