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Five earned special recognition June 13 during the concluding banquet at OWAA’s 83nd Annual Conference in Rochester, Minn.

At its recent annual conference in Rochester, Minn., the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA), The Voice of the Outdoors, honored five with its most distinguished awards.

Michael Levy, of Williamsville, N.Y., received the 2010 J. Hammond Brown Memorial Award. The award is OWAA’s most prestigious recognition of a member “for devoted past service to the organization over a period of continuous years.” Freelance writer, editor and book author, Levy served as OWAA president in 1993-94 and is a Life Member, with his membership originating in 1982.

Glen Lau, of Ocala, Fla., received OWAA’s Excellence in Craft Award. The award honors an OWAA member “for outstanding effort in upholding the OWAA Creed and continued excellence in craft.” An OWAA member since 1969, Lau is a film maker and producer of several national TV series and documentaries. He is producer and host of “Quest For Adventure” TV series on TNN and also produces commercials and infomercials. Lau also has a still photography library specializing in underwater photos.

Terry Brady of Zieglerville, Penn., deputy press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Cnservation and Natural Resources, received OWAA’s top conservation award. The Jade of Chiefs award represents an affirmation of OWAA adherence to and support of the principles of conservation. An Active Member of OWAA since 1986, Brady is also a freelance saltwater fishing columnist. Prior to his current position with the Pennsylvania DCNR, Brady spent 28 years working for daily newspapers, writing outdoors columns.

The recipient of the 2009 Jackie Pfeiffer Memorial Award is Joan Turner of Columbia, Mo. “Joan Turner represents these qualities as a recipient of the Jackie Pfeiffer Memorial Award – genuine warmth, radiance, good will, helpfulness, generosity and kindness to others. She also has the rare quality of grace,” said last year’s recipient, Kay Richey, when presenting Turner with the award.

Mary Nickum of Fountain Hills, Ariz., received the Outstanding Board Member Award. A member since 2000, Nickum is a retired librarian who is now an editor and freelance writer. Her primary focus is on science for the public. Nickum is editor-in-chief of the Intermountain Journal of Science and currently edits World Aquaculture magazine.

Since its inception in 1927, OWAA has become the largest and oldest association of professional outdoor communicators in the United States. OWAA’s mission is to improve the professional skills of its members, set the highest ethical and communications standards, encourage public enjoyment and conservation of natural resources and mentor the next generation of professional outdoor communicators. The national headquarters is located in Missoula, Mont.

For more information on the OWAA conference, these awards and award winners, visit the organization’s website at www.owaa.org.

Further information about the award recipients and conference will appear in the August issue of OU.

For a list of the 2010 Excellence in Craft contest winners, click here.

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Dear editor,

After working all year on the summer conference with a great committee and office staff, I still cannot believe I missed the conference at the last minute due to a medical emergency that put me in the Mayo Clinic. Nevertheless, some of the best medicine has hearing from friends within the OWAA family, it was a shot in the arm to get all the e-mails and then get well cards.

So thanks to all who took the time to wish me well. And thanks to all who attended the conference. Your conference committee and HQ staff worked exceptionally hard to give you a program worth worth your time and investment. Thanks, too, to the local committee led by Tim Lesmeister. They were just great and pitched right in.

Mike Walker
2010 Conference Chair
Phoenix, Ariz.

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At its recent annual conference in Rochester, Minn., the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA), The Voice of the Outdoors, recognized winners of the 2010 OWAA Excellence in Craft contests.

Backcountry Sportsman Contest

Sponsored by Sierra Club

Art/Photo Category

3rd Place: Jack Ballard, Red Lodge, Mont., “Into the outback,” Montana Headwall, Oct.-Dec. 2010

2nd Place: Gene Hester, Springfield, VA., “Drake Wood Duck on log,” Wildlife in North Carolina, October 2009

1st Place: Tim Christie, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, “The last pack out,” Wyoming Wildlife, October 2009

Magazine Category

3rd Place: Chris Madson, Cheyenne, Wyo., “Give me a home,” Wyoming Wildlife, April 2009

2nd Place: Chris Madson, Cheyenne, Wyo., “Moonstruck,” Wyoming Wildlife, February 2009

1rd Place: Kirk Deeter, Pine, Col., “In search of the river gods,” Field & Stream, July 20099

TV Category

3rd Place: Kris Millgate, Idaho Falls, Idaho, “Fish packers” KPVI News 6

2nd Place: Dave Carlson, Eau Claire, Wis., “The big ‘W’,” WQOW

1st Place: Chris Dorsey, Littleton, Colo., “Pirates of the flats 101: The Cast,” ESPN2

Big Game Hunting

Sponsored by The Outdoor Channel

Art/Photo Category

3rd Place: Jack Ballard, Red Lodge, Mont., “Into the outback,” Montana Headwall, Oct.-Dec. 2010

2nd Place: Tim Christie, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, “The last pack out,” Wyoming Wildlife, October 2009

1st Place: Gary Kramer, Willows, Calif., “Success at last!” Gray’s Sporting Journal, September/October 2009

Magazine Category

3rd Place: P.J. Reilly, New Holland, PA., “Make mine a combo,” Sports Afield, November/December 2009

2nd Place: Tim Christie, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, “Trophy hunting,” Wyoming Wildlife, October 2009

1st Place: Chris Batin, Virginia Beach, Va., “Grizzly Country,” Outdoor Life, February 2009

Newspaper Category

3rd Place: Glenn Sapir, Putnam Valley, N.Y., “Big game hunting in Newfoundland yields wiser perspective,” The Journal News, November 24, 2009

2nd Place: Mark Freeman, Medford, Ore., “A memorable spot on the ‘bragging wall,’” Medford Mail Tribune, October 8, 2009

1st Place: Paul Smith, Wauwatosa, Wisc., “Teen was truly a dear,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, March 6, 2009

Radio Category

3rd Place: Jeff Kelm, Sheboygan, Wisc., “Super slam,” Dan Small Outdoors Radio Network

2nd Place: J.K. Ferguson, Colby, Kan., “Matea Huggins, Oregon mountain goat hunt,” Great American Outdoor Trails Radio Magazine

1st Place: J.K Ferguson, Colby, Kan., “Kelly Holmin, Minnesota moose hunting,” Great American Outdoor Trails Radio Magazine

TV Category

3rd Place: Jack Abrams and Dan Small, Milwaukee, Wis. and Belgium, Wis., respectively, “Handicapped deer hunt,” WMVS-TV, Miwaukee, Wis.

2nd Place: Chris Dorsey, Littleton, Colo., “John Paul – Morris, New Mexico,” Versus

1st Place: Dave Carlson, Eau Claire, Wis., “Bucking the trend,” WQOW

Boating/ Paddlesports

Magazine Category

3rd Place, Gregg Patterson, Little Rock, Ark., “John Ruskey’s Life on the Mississippi,” Front Porch, July – August 2009

2nd Place: Ryck Lydecker, Alexandria, Va., “Fast-water fly fishing,” BoatU.S. Magazine, January 2009

1st Place: Tom Watson, Appleton, Minn., “The light within the darkness,” Ocean Magazine, Vol. 6, Issue 23, 2009

Newspaper Category

3rd Place: Brent Frazee, Kansas City, Mo., “Paddling into autumn,” The Kansas City Star, Oct. 25, 2009

2nd Place: Howard Meyerson, Grand Rapids, Mich., “Clearing a happy trail,” Grand Rapids Press, July 18, 2009

1st Place: Rich Landers, Spokane, Wash., “Paddling Option,” The Spokesman – Review, Nov. 22, 2009

Camping/Backpacking/Outdoor Recreational Travel/Biking/ Climbing

Sponsored by Coleman Company Inc.

Art/Photo Category

3rd Place: Bill Powell, Columbia, MO., “Serengeti sky,” Boone County Journal (Ashland, MO.), Dec. 3, 2009

2nd Place: Kent Dannen, Allenspark, Colo., “Samoyed pack dog,” Dogs USA, Oct. 2009

1st Place: Rich Landers, Spokane, Wash., “Backcountry base,” The Spokesman – Review, March 8, 2009

Magazine Category

3rd Place: Karen Hoffman Blizzard, Austin, Texas, “Dream ride,” Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine, November 2009

2nd Place: Lee Allen, Tuscon, Ariz., “Pathway to paradise,” Arizona Wildlife Views, September/ October 2009

1st Place: Lisa Densmore, Hanover, N.H., “Early Highways in Peru,” Appalachia, Summer/Fall 2009

Newspaper Category

3rd Place: Risa Weinreb Wyatt, Seattle, Wash., “China’s middle class takes to the slopes,” Philadelphia Inquirer, Nov. 29, 2009,

2nd Place: Rich Landers, Spokane, Wash., “Senior Moment,” The Spokesman – Review, June 21, 2009

1st Place: Steve Pollick, Fremont, Ohio, “Going wild,” The Blade (Toledo, Ohio), March 1-3, 2009

Radio Category

3rd Place: Mike Walker, Phoenix, Ariz., “Outdoor Gear,” Toyota Outdoors Radio Network

2nd Place: Mike Walker, Phoenix, Ariz., “Take all of these,” Toyota Outdoors Radio Network

1st Place: Dan Small, Belgium, Wisc., “Sunflower trout,” Dan Small Outdoors Radio Network

TV Category

3rd Place: Grant McOmie, Forest Grove, Ore., “Black rock mountain biking,” KGW-TV

2nd Place: Bill Sherck, Minneapolis, Minn., “Nightfall,” Minnesota Bound/ NBC Minneapolis

1st Place: Bill Sherck, Minneapolis, Minn., “Mississippi River Dreams,” Minnesota Bound/ NBC Minneapolis

Conservation/Environment

Art/Photo Category

3rd Place: Eric Hansen, Corvallis, Ore., “Wood duckling,” Arkansas Wildlife, Sept. /Oct. 2009

2nd Place: Michael Furtman, Duluth, Minn., “Rooster pheasant in stubble,” Montana Outdoors, Sept. /Oct. 2009

1st Place: Michael Furtman, Duluth, Minn., “Flushing rooster pheasant,” Pheasants Forever, Spring 2009

Magazine Category

3rd Place: Craig Springer, Edgewood, NM, “Jurassic Park – no bones about it,” Eddies, Summer 2009

2nd Place: Chris Madson, Cheyenne, Wyo., “Coming of age,” Wyoming Wildlife, June 2009

1st Place: Ben Moyer, Farmington, PA, “Hugh Bennett: crusader for conservation,” Pheasants Forever Journal, Fall 2009

Newspaper Category

3rd Place: Richard Hall, Oshkosh, Wis., “Deer management politics get ugly,” The Country Today (Eau Claire, Wis.), May 6, 2009

2nd Place: John Tertuliani, Hilliard, Ohio, “Deer management 101: what does it take?” Ohio Outdoor News, Nov. 6, 2009

1st Place: Shauna Stephenson, Wheatland, Wyo., “Beetle impact: two part series,” Wyoming Tribune Eagle, Oct. 17-18, 2009

Radio Category

3rd Place: Dan Small, Belgium, Wis., “Gold mine threatens Bristol Bay,” Dan Small Outdoors Radio Network

2nd Place: Mike Walker, Phoenix, Ariz., “The Right Footwear,” Toyota Outdoors Radio Network

1st Place: Tom Stienstra, Weed, Calif., “Drought, or water heist?” KCBS (San Francisco, Calif.)

TV Category

3rd Place: Kris Millgate, Idaho Falls, Idaho, “Weed eaters,” KPVI News

2nd Place: Carol Lynde, Phoenix, Ariz., “Return of the black tailed prairie dog,” Phoenix II

1st Place: Grant McOmie, Forest Grove, Ore., “Bird island,” KGW-TV

Family Participation

Sponsored by RealTree

Art/Photo Category

3rd Place: Tim Christie, Couer D’Alene, Idaho, “A moment shared between father and son,” Wyoming Wildlife, Nov. 2009

2nd Place: James Smedley, Wawa, Ontario, “Family on a bluff,” Ontario Parks Guide, 2009

1st Place: Joe Byers, Hagerstown, Md., “Make your property family friendly,” Whitetails Unlimited, Summer 2009

Magazine Category

3rd Place: James Smedley, Wawa, Ontario, “Overnight on Nipissing Ice,” My Ontario, 2009

2nd Place: Ann Hirsch, Smithshire, Ill., “Dear mothers of hunting age children,” Arizona Wildlife Views, May-June 2009

1st Place: Bruce Ingram, Troutville, VA, “Time to take a kid hunting,” Virginia Wildlife, November 2009

Newspaper Category

3rd Place: Paul Smith, Wauwatosa, Wis., “The lessons of the hunt,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Dec. 20, 2009

2nd Place: Bob Lamb, La Crosse, Wis., “Little one,” La Crosse (Wis.) Tribube, Oct. 22, 2009

1st Place: Mark Folco, New Bedford, Mass., “Sun setting on family hunts?” The Standard times (New Bedford, Mass.), Feb. 15, 2009

Radio Category

3rd Place: Peter St. James, Warner, N.H., “Hawk watch,” Belgium, Wis., WTPL-FM (N.H.)

2nd Place: Dan Small, Belgium, Wis., “Gary and Carson Lenherr, muskie champs,” Dan Small Outdoors Radio Network

1st Place: Dan Small, Belgium, Wis., “Sophie’s first deer,” Dan Small Outdoors Radio Network

TV Category

3rd Place: Lawrence Pyne, Cornwall, VT., “Squirrel hunting with Grace,” WETK, Vermont Public Television

2nd Place: Karen Loke, Austin, Texas, “Life’s better outside experience,” News 8 Austin

1st Place: Lawrence Pyne, Cornwall, VT., “Green mountain conservation camp,” WETK, Vermont Public Television

Fishing

Art/Photo Category

3rd Place: Doug Stamm, Prairie du Sac, Wis., “Pumpkinseed on a popper,” New Hampshire Wildlife Journal, May/June 2009

2nd Place: Bill Watt, Flagstaff, Ariz., “Fly fishing still life,” Arizona Wildlife Views, March/April 2009

1st Place: Bill Lindner, Baxter, Minn., “Crankbait science,” North American Fisherman, Oct. / Nov. 2009

Magazine Category

3rd Place: Jeff Williams, Little Rock, Ark., “It’s all about the bugs,” Arkansas Wildlife, Jan ./Feb. 2009

2nd Place: Jeff Williams, Little Rock, Ark., “The Manistee’s big brown,” Arkansas Wildlife, Nov. /Dec. 2009

1st Place: Kirk Deeter, Pine, Colo. “In search of the river gods,” Field & Stream, July 2009

Newspaper Category

3rd Place: Brent Frazee, Kansas City, MO., “A reel birthday gift,” The Kansas City (MO.) Star, May 12, 2009

2nd Place: Tom Stienstra, Weed, Calif., “Hold, please, I’ve got a monster on the line,” San Francisco Chronicle, June 4, 2009

1st Place: Brett Prettyman, Salt Lake City, Utah, “Uintas cast a spell that is waterborne,” Salt Lake Tribune, August 16, 2009

Radio Category

3rd Place: Peter St. James, Warner, N.H., “Big kids,” WTPL-FM (N.H.)

2nd Place: Mike Walker, Phoenix, Ariz., “Trout tips,” Toyota Outdoors Radio Network

1st Place: Peter St. James, Warner, N.H., “Fishing memories,” WTPL-FM (N.H.)

TV Category

3rd Place: David Carlson, Eau Claire, Wis., “Whitefish daze,” WQOW-TV (Eau Claire, Wis.)

2nd Place: Carol Lynde, Phoenix, Ariz., “Casting for recovery,” Phoenix II

1st Place: Bill Sherck, Minneapolis, Minn., “False casts and brush strokes,” Minnesota Bound/NBC

Humor

Magazine Category

3rd Place: Bruce Cochran, Prairie Village, Kan., “Duck blind gourmet,” Wyoming Wildlife, September 2009

2nd Place: Joel Vance, Russelville, MO.,”Hurricane Jim,” Delta Waterfowl, Fall 2009

1st Place: Bruce Cochran, Prairie Village, Kan., “No river for old men,” Wyoming Wildlife, August 2009

Newspaper Category

3rd Place: Shauna Stephenson, Wheatland, Wyo., “When the fish don’t bite,” Wyoming Tribune Eagle, Aug. 16, 2009

2nd Place: Mark Freeman, Medford, Ore, “Best and worst of 2009 outdoors,” Medford Mail Tribune, Dec. 31, 2009

1st Place: Shauna Stephenson, Wheatland, Wyo., “The language of a fisherman,” Wyoming Tribune Eagle, Aug. 16, 2009

Radio Category

3rd Place: Dan Small, Belgium, Wis., “Miss largemouth bass,” Dan Small Outdoors Radio Network

2nd Place: Peter St. James, Warner, N.H., “Bucky awards,” WTPL-FM (N.H.)

1st Place: Dan Small, Belgium, Wis., “Bananas at large,” Dan Small Outdoors Radio Network

Natural History

Art/Photo Category

3rd Place: Gary Kramer, Willows, Calif., “Snowy owl,” Silver Creek Press Wildlife Calendar, 2009

2nd Place: Michael Furtman, Duluth, Minn., “Eye of the Goshawk,” Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, March-April 2009

1st Place: Gary Kramer, Willows, Calif., “Lesser prairie chicken,” Texas Parks and Wildlife, October 2009

Magazine Category

3rd Place: Jack Ballard, Red Lodge, Mont., “Calving time,” Wyoming Wildlife, June 2009

2nd Place: Bruce Ingram, Troutville, VA., “The Truthiness,” Wildlife in North Carolina, December 2009

1st Place: Joel Vance, Russelville, MO., “A good problem to have,” Wildlife in Noth Carolina, August 2009

Newspaper Category

3rd Place: Brett Prettyman, Salt Lake City, Utah, “These monsters are misunderstood,” Salt Lake Tribune, June 14, 2009

2nd Place: Paul Smith, Wauwatosa, Wis., “Wisconsin fauna season’s true survivors,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 18, 2009

1st Place: Steve Pollick, Freemont, Ohio, “Young bucks strut their stuff, study shows,” The Blade (Toledo, Ohio), Sept. 6, 2009

TV Category

3rd Place: Jack Abrams, Milwaukee, Wis., “Wisconsin black bears,” WMVS-TV (Milwaukee, Wis.)

2nd Place: Dave Carlson, Eau Claire, Wis., “The wolf whisperer,” WQOW (Eau Claire, Wis.)

1st Place: Jack Abrams, Milwaukee, Wis., “White pelicans,” WMVS-TV (Milwaukee, Wis.)

Outdoor Ethics/ Take Pride in America

Magazine Category

3rd Place: Chris Madson, Cheyenne, Wyo., “A look ahead,” Wyom ing Wildlife, July 2009

2nd Place: Kirk Deeter, Pine, Colo., “Camo conservation,” Trout, Spring 2009

1st Place: Chris Madson, Cheyenne, Wyo., “Give me a home,” Wyoming Wildlife, April 2009

Newspaper Category

3rd Place: Brett Prettyman, Salt Lake City, Utah, “Let’s keep it clean – for everyone’s sake,” Salt Lake Tribune, Aug. 9, 2009

2nd Place: Bill Sherwonit, Anchorage, Alaska, “The bears of Katmai,” Anchorage Press, Feb. 19-25, 2009

1st Place: Shauna Stephenson, Wheatland, Wyo.., “Trapping bears,” Wyoming Tribune Eagle, July 12

TV Category

3rd Place: Bill Sherck, Minneapolis, Minn., “Rush River cleanup,” MN Bound, Minneapolis/ NBC

2nd Place: Karen Loke, Austin, Texas, “Bamberger legacy,” News 8 Austin

1st Place: Dan Small, Belgium, Wis., “National Parks: Wisconsin,” WMVS-TV (Milwaukee, Wis.)

Outdoor-Related Essays

Magazine Category

3rd Place: Chris Madson, Cheyenne, Wyo., “Give me a home,” Wyoming Wildlife, April 2009

2nd Place: Craig Springer, Edgewood, N.M., “Aesthetic exercise – where hunting and singing meet,” Inside Outside Southwest, October 2009

1st Place: Steve Griffin, Midland, Mich., “Blueberries are good for memories,” Michigan Outdoor New, Aug. 14, 2009

Newspaper Category

3rd Place: Brett Prettyman, Salt Lake City, Utah, “Going to the mountains for answers,” Salt Lake Tribune, Jan. 4, 2009

2nd Place: Steve Pollick, Freemont, Ohio, “Winter solitude,” The Blade (Toledo, Ohio), March 1, 2009

1st Place: Mark Folco, New Bedford, Mass., “A whale of a time at the beach,” The Standard-Times (New Bedford, Mass.), Aug. 30, 2009

Shooting Sports

Sponsored by Ducks Unlimited

Art/Photo Category

3rd Place: Gary Kramer. Willows, Calif., “Incoming pigeons,” Shooting Sportsman, January/February 2009

2nd Place: Tim Christie, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, “Dad’s coaching,” Predator Hunting, Winter 2009

1st Place: Gary Kramer, Willows, Calif., “Sea ducks over decoys,” WILDFOWL Magazine, April/May 2009

Magazine Category

3rd Place: Dennis Neely, Brooklyn, Mich., “New life for old guns,” Woods-N-Water News, October, 2009

2nd Place: Ed Schmidt, Grand Rapids, Minn., “Minnesota 4-H shooting sports and wildlife invitational,” Whitetales, Winter 2010

1st Place: Dennis Neely, Brooklyn, Mich., “Chasing ‘Spiders,’” Woods-N-Water News, August 2009

Newspaper Category

3rd Place: George Ingram, Ocean City, N.J., “For local archer, it takes only one arm to win,” The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.), Aug. 22, 2009

2nd Place: Paul Smith, Wauwatosa, Wis., “Sharpening their aim,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Aug. 16, 2009

1st Place: Mark Folco, New Bedford, Mass., “A natural riflewoman,” The Standard-Times (New Bedford, Mass.), Sept. 27, 2009

TV Category

3rd Place: Grant McOmie, Forest Grove, Ore., “Women who hunt,” KGW-TV

2nd Place: Kris Millgate, Idaho Falls, Idaho, “Shootout,” KPVI News 6

1st Place: Karen Loke, Austin, Texas, “School shooting sports,” News 8 Austin

Small Game Hunting

Art/Photo Category

3rd Place: P.J. Reilly, New Holland, PA., “Blizzard bounty,” WILDFOWL Magazine, December 2009

2nd Place: Michael Furtman, Duluth, Minn., “Rooster pheasant in stubble,” Montana Outdoors, September/October 2009

1st Place: Michael Furtman, Duluth, Minn., “Flushing rooster pheasant,” Pheasants Forever, Spring 2009

Magazine Category

3rd Place: W.H. “Chip” Gross, Fredericktown, Ohio, “Hunting a legend…,” Delta Waterfowl, Summer 2009

2nd Place: Joel Vance, Russelville, Mo., “Hurricane Jim,” Delta Waterfowl, Fall 2009

1st Place: Dave Books, Helena, Mont., “Rite of passage,” Ducks Unlimited, January/February 2009

Newspaper Category

3rd Place: P.J. Reilly, New Holland, Pa., “Hunters prove their point,” Sunday News (Lancaster, PA.), March 1, 2009

2nd Place: Brent Frazee, Kansas City, Mo., “Beau’s legacy,” The Kansas City Star, Jan. 18, 2009

1st Place: Mark Freeman, Medford, Ore., “Hunting with the hawk,” Medford Mail Tribune, March 5, 2009

TV Category

3rd Place: Dave Carlson, Eau Claire, Wis., “Hare camp,” WQOW

2nd Place: Dave Carlson, Eau Claire, Wis., “Birds and buddies,” WQOW

1st Place: Gary Schafer, Peoria, Ariz., “Cibola youth goose hunt,” Phoenix TV 11

Technical

Magazine Category

3rd Place: Tom Watson, Appleton, Minn., “Reading the weather,” Paddling.net, Summer 2009

2nd Place: Chris Madson, Cheyenne, Wyo., “The last hurrah,” Wyoming Wildlife, October 2009

1st Place: Michael Furtman, Duluth, Minn., “Photographing the hunt,” Ducks Unlimited, November/December 2009

Newspaper Category

3rd Place: Shauna Stephenson, Wheatland, Wyo., “Fishing 101: four part series,” Wyoming Tribune Eagle, June 1-4, 2009

2nd Place: Rich Landers, Spokane, Wash., “That nothing look,” The Spokesman – Review, Oct. 11, 2009

1st Place: Shauna Stephenson, Wheatland, Wyo., “Beetle impact: two part series,” Wyoming Tribune Eagle, Oct. 17-18, 2009

Radio Category

3rd Place: Jeff Kelm, Sheboygan, Wis., “Food plots for wildlife with Tim Bauer,” Dan Small Outdoors Radio Network

2nd Place: Dan Small, Belgium, Wis., “Chill killer,” Dan Small Outdoors Radio Network

1st Place: Dan Small, Belgium, Wis., “Lip grip dangerous for bass,” Dan Small Outdoors Radio Network

Value of Wilderness to the Outdoor Experience

Magazine Category

3rd Place: Lee Allen, Tucson, Ariz., “Watchable wildlife,” The Desert Leaf, July/August 2009

2nd Place: Chris Batin, Virginia Beach, Va., “Grizzly country,” Outdoor Life, February 2009

1st Place: Lee Allen, Tucson, Ariz., “Pathway to paradise,” Arizona Wildlife Views, September/October 2009

Newspaper Category

3rd Place: Rich Landers, Spokane, Wash., “Wilderness one step at a time,” The Spokesman – Review,” Jan. 18, 2009

2nd Place: Tom Stienstra, Weed, Calif., “Thousands of miles of ‘working things out,’” The San Francisco Chronicle, June 28, 2009

1st Place: Shauna Stephenson, Wheatland, Wyo., “Goodbye modern world. Hello solitude,” Wyoming Tribune Eagle, Aug. 9, 2009

Book Contest

3rd Place: W.H. “Chip” Gross, Fredericktown, Ohio, Young Beginner’s Guide to Shooting and Archery

2nd Place: Dennis Dunn, Kirkland, Wash., BAREBOW! An Archer’s Fair-Chase Taking of North America’s Big Game

1st Place: W.H. “Chip” Gross, Fredericktown, Ohio, Pro Tactics: Steelhead and Salmon

Newspaper Outdoor Page/Section

Outdoor Section Contest

3rd Place: Terry Tomalin, St. Petersburg, Fla., “The St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times”

2nd Place: Brett Prettyman, Salt Lake City, Utah, “The Salt Lake Tribune”

1st Place: Mark Freeman, Medford, Ore., “Medford (Ore.) Mail Tribune”

Photo Contest

Color Division

Scenic Category

3rd place: Doug Stamm, Prairie du Sac, Wis., “Fly fishing the Grand Canyon”

2nd place: Henry Zeman, Grand Rapids, Mich., “Light house and great wave”

1st place: Tom Ulrich, West Glacier, Mont., “Horses and Rocky Butte”

Flora Category

3rd place: William Mullins, Boise, Idaho, “Lupine”

2nd place: Michael Furtman, Duluth, Minn., “Icy Aspen leaf”

1st place: William Mullins, Boise, Idaho, “California False Hellebore”

Action Category

3rd place: Dan Cook, Ringgolde, Ga., “Splashy suspense”

2nd place: Mark Harlow, Walker, Minn., “Side winder”

1st place: Eric Hansen, Corvallis, Ore., “Fighting elk”

People Category

3rd place: Jacob Vanhouten, Midland, Mich., “Bogie and his girl”

2nd place: Bill Lindner, Baxter, Minn., “Boy, this is fun”

1st place: Gary Zahm, Los Banos, Calif., “Passing down tradition”

Fauna Category

3rd place: Art Weber, Whitehouse, Ohio, “Fox kits”

2nd place: Gary Kramer, Willows, Calif., “Mountain Lion with kill in snow”

1st place: Michael Furtman, Duluth, Minn., “My favorite Marten”

Black & White Division

Scenic Category

3rd Place: Mark Harlow, Walker, Minn., “Superior sunrise”

2nd Place: Mark Harlow, Walker, Minn., “A new beginning”

1st Place: James Smedley, Wawa, Ontario, “Ice berg and mountain”

Action Category

3rd Place: Jon Blumb, Lawrence, Kan., “Brought to hand”

2nd Place: Mark Harlow, Walker, Minn., “Kickin’ it”

1st Place: Michael Furtman, Duluth, Minn., “Mallard Duck flying in snow”

Fauna Category

3rd place:, Mark Harlow, Walker, Minn., “Nap time”

2nd place: Lisa Densmore, Hanover, N.H., “Osprey takes off”

1st place: James Smedley, Wawa, Ontario, “Morning Loons”

About OWAA’s EIC contests: Annually, OWAA’s Contest Committee administers the Excellence In Craft Awards program. OWAA media members may enter their best works from the previous year in the competition. Seventeen competition categories are available.

The judging for each category is conducted by an independent panel of judges who are experts in the category field they are judging. The winners of the competition are announced at a special event held during the annual conference. Certificates and cash prizes are awarded.

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Craft Improvement

• When is close too close? — By Jim Foster
• Writing for children’s magazines — By Mary Nickum
• Video editing tips –By Dave Carlson
• Improve your e-mail communication — By Pat Wray
• Writing leads and kickers — By Peter Schroeder

Features

• Income loss from the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and how to file a lost income claim
• New board members and more changes at OWAA
• Character Sketch – Natalie Bartley: A Jill of all trades — By Margo Whitmire
• Product Review -Vortex Storm Jacket

Columns

• President’s report– By John L. Beath
• I-Tech: Does your website have spiders crawling through it? — By John L. Beath
• Editor’s Blog
  • Conference Blog Contest announced

Departments

• Association Update
• Bookshelf
• Supporter Spotlight
• Supporting Group News Tips
• News Briefs

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Please welcome and congratulate OWAA’s newest board members, elected by the membership to serve three-year terms. Listed alphabetically: Mark Freeman (Oregon), Brett Prettyman (Utah) and Paul Queneau (Montana). All three Active members will take their board seats on June 13, in conjunction with OWAA’s annual conference in Rochester, Minn., June 10-13. Read more about the candidates at www.owaa.org/ou/2010/05/new-board-members-elected.

The May 7 election took place at the Missoula Senior Service Center. Ballots were opened, tabulated and certified by tellers Marlene Waylett, Shirley Lanfear and Shirley Williams, volunteers from Missoula Senior Services.

More changes at OWAA

It is with much gratitude and sadness that we say so long to Kevin Rhoades. Originally hired as Publications Editor in 1999, Rhoades assumed the role of Executive Director in 2004.

He lead the organization through many changes during the past four and a half years, helped stabilize OWAA’s budget, produced two updated publications, and oversaw the transition of Outdoors Unlimited to a monthly online publication and quarterly print edition, to name but a few of his successes.

We wish him luck in his new adventures and look forward to seeing him at upcoming conferences as an OWAA member.

In Kevin’s place, Robin Giner has been promoted to Acting Executive Director. After re-joining OWAA in 2007, Giner coordinated three annual conferences and headed up the membership side of the organization.

Interns come and go at OWAA with each passing semester. In May, intern Margo Whitmire left OWAA after earning her graduate degree in environmental studies from the University of Montana, where she also served as the non-fiction editor for the University of Montana’s literary magazine, Camas. We send Margo off with our best as she moves to Portland, Ore., to get married and begin her new post-college life. In Whitmire’s place, we welcome Breeana Laughlin. Her duties will include crafting Character Sketch articles, compiling Supporting Group News Tips, News Briefs, Bookshelf items and Outdoor Market listings for Outdoors Unlimited.

May also saw the addition of Jessica Pollett to the OWAA staff as the new Membership and Conference Services Apprentice. A recent graduate of the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va., Pollett moved to Missoula in early 2010 where she volunteered for the Ronald McDonald house, helping coordinate events and fundraisers. Pollett is looking forward to the Rochester conference, meeting OWAA’s members and beginning her work on the 2011 Salt Lake City conference.

With so many changes at OWAA’s headquarters, please rest assured that we remain dedicated to the membership and mission of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. Any ideas you have to improve the organization, or membership benefits, can be forwarded to the OWAA staff at info@owaa.org.

UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS BOOK

How to contact OWAA headquarters staff:

• General information – info@owaa.org
• Robin Giner – rginer@owaa.org
• Ashley Schroeder – aschroeder@owaa.org
• Jessica Pollett – jpollett@owaa.org, membership@owaa.org

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Bushnell

Inspired by the Outdoor Channel’s “Bone Collector,” Bushnell has introduced a new scope for black powder hunters. With a new DOA 250 reticle that allows shooters to hold dead on at ranges from 100 to 250 yards, the Bone Collector retails for $299.99. For more information, visit www.bushnell.com.

Plano

On your next fishing adventure, choose from three models of tray boxes with a built-in spinner bait rack designed for secure and easy access. The single-tray model holds up to six spinner baits for $11.99. The two-tray box can hold 12 spinner baits for $13.99 and anglers with lots of gear should check out the three-tray box for $17.99. Look at color options and details here: www.PlanoMolding.com.

National Shooting Sports Foundation

In the third year of its Range Partnership Grant Program, the National Shooting Sports Foundation will be awarding up to $500,000 in grants to ranges nationwide. Funded projects will serve as pilot programs to help public and private shooting facilities jump start their recruitment and retention efforts. Shooting ranges interested in applying for a grant can visit: http://nssf.org/shooting/grants.

Ohio Division of Wildlife

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife, invites Ohio anglers to participate in an online survey. Feedback is sought on a variety of topics including black bass regulations and fishing Ohio’s rivers and streams. The survey will run through Sept. 30, 2010 and is available at www.ohiodnr.com/creel.

Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation

The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation is co-sponsoring the June 12 event, Boat.Fish.Live. Taking place at 10 marinas across the country, the events will allow consumers to test drive boats and participate in boating and fishing demonstrations and educational activities. BoatU.S. Foundation and West Marine are among the organizations helping to promote the event. For more information, visit BoatFishLive.com.

Nebraska Game & Parks Commission

There is one chance left to join the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission staff for a birding day. The events took place throughout May and June in each of the Commission’s six districts. The Panhandle will host the last birding day of the year on June 8 at the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Contact Emily Munter at 308-763-2940 or emily.munter@nebraska.gov for more information.

Rocky Brands

ROCKY’s SilentHunter apparel features a micro-suede fabric that allows for complete silence in the woods while accelerating moisture away from skin, keeping the wearer warm and dry. The line utilizes ROCKY’s Scent IQ Atomic technology, an innovation that controls odor-causing bacteria and keeps hunters concealed in the woods without the use of special detergents, sprays or other processes. For more information, visit www.rockyboots.com.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

The results from a personal flotation device (PFD) survey of Louisiana boat owners indicate support for current PFD regulations and enforcement. The entire “Boating Safety and Waterway Enforcement Statistical Report and Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Survey” report can be found on the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ website at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/publicservices/enforcement.

Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department

Vermont residents and visitors to the state are invited to Vermont’s Free Fishing Day on June 12. No fishing license is required, and a “Let’s Go Fishing” clinic will be held at Kil Kare State Park in St. Albans. E-mail mike.morse@remichel.com for details. All Vermont State Park day areas, state-owned Historic Sites, and the Vermont Historical Society Museum in Montpelier will be open at no charge on the June 12 and 13. Find out more at www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

BoatU.S. Foundation

BoatU.S. has launched a new website for recreational boaters affected by the Gulf oil spill to help them stay informed, safeguard their boats, and assist with recovery efforts. The website compiles a range of public and private resources and information for boaters, including how to protect your boat and the environment as well as boat cleanup tips. Visit the website at www.BoatUS.com/oilspill.

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Bass Pro Shops renewed its annual sponsorship of National Hunting and Fishing Day, set for Sept. 25 this year. Congress formalized the annual commemoration of hunters, anglers and conservationists in 1972 and every U.S. president since has recognized the day as a reminder that conservation in America succeeds thanks to funding and leadership from hunters and anglers.

Sponsorship from Bass Pro Shops will help the Wonders of Wildlife museum in Springfield, Mo., with educational and outreach campaigns to help build citizen understanding and appreciation of hunting and fishing. Bass Pro Shops Communications Manager Larry Whiteley said the hope is to get more people involved in the outdoors.

Wonders of Wildlife’s Denise Wagner said that the development of PSAs, games and activities and other promotions around National Hunting and Fishing Day are in the works. “We couldn’t proceed without sponsors and Bass Pro Shops has been with us for many years now. We’re grateful for their continuing sponsorship,” said Wagner in a press release.

The growing list of National Hunting and Fishing Day sponsors also includes National Shooting Sports Foundation, Smith & Wesson, Sportsman Channel Inc., Izaak Walton League of America, Realtree, Cabela’s, GunBroker.com, Yamaha and Pope and Young Club. For more about National Hunting and Fishing Day, visit www.nhfday.org. Visit Bass Pro Shops at www.basspro.com.

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OWAA’s Posewitz wins inaugural Montana Wildlife Federation award

The Montana Wildlife Federation recognized Jim Posewitz for his dedication and lifetime achievements in conserving the wildlife and wild lands and waters of Montana. The biologist, author and conservation leader received the organization’s first Heritage Award.

Posewitz, who joined OWAA in 2005, founded Orion – The Hunters’ Institute and teaches conservation history as an adjunct professor at Montana State University. During his 32-year career with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Posewitz served as special assistant to the director, leader of the resource assessment unit and administrator of the ecological services division and environment and information division. He is the author of “Beyond Fair Chase,” a standard for hunter education classes in North America, and “Inherit the Hunt and Rifle in Hand: How Wild America Was Saved.”

POMA conference free for college students

The Professional Outdoor Media Association is waiving all conference attendance fees, including meals, for the first 25 college students who register for their annual conference. Outdoor editors, communication experts, public relations gurus, and business owners will converge in LaPorte, Ind., from Aug. 11-14 at the LaPorte County Convention & Visitors Bureau. The conference will focus on business and skill enhancement, content development and networking. The Product Showcase & Tackle Testing and Shooting Day events also offer opportunities for hands-on product testing. Students enrolled in an accredited college full-time and studying communications, journalism or a program focused on wildlife management or conservation are encouraged to register. Student attendees are responsible for their own lodging and transportation expenses. For more information, visit www.professionaloutdoormedia.org. To register, fill out the registration form on the POMA website or contact Brandon Butler at 812-322-9851 or bbutler@driftwoodoutdoors.com.

The Loon Cam

Back by popular demand, the Loon Cam will show live footage of Minnesota’s state bird around the clock. Through June, viewers can watch baby loons hatch and the new family take to the water. Visit www.mnbound.com to see the loons in action. “Minnesota Bound” loon expert Larry Backlund is also providing daily updates and blogs on the loon nest here: www.mnbound.com/larrys-loon-blog.

The Loon Cam was launched by Ron Schara Productions in the spring of 2008 with a half million views in a 30-day period. For more information, e-mail Kelly Jo McDonnell at Kelly@mnbound.com.

Stripers spawn to be released in Panhandle rivers

A small group of striped bass captured last year from Florida’s Lake Talquin produced 900,000 fingerling striped bass and hybrid striped bass. Dave Yeager, fisheries biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said all of the fry and fingerlings are being released in several Panhandle rivers. Four female and five male striped bass were held in circular tanks with mimicked natural conditions. A benefit to maintaining captive brood fish is reduced manpower and time needed to collect wild striped bass, thereby increasing the length of the striper spawning season. For details, visit http://myfwc.com/NEWSROOM/10/northwest/News_10_NW_Stripers.htm.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

The deadline to apply for an Arizona fall hunt permit tag, issued through the draw, is June 8 at 7 p.m. MST. The 2010 – 2011 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations and application forms are now available at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/draw.

Printed copies of the booklet, applications and envelopes are available statewide at license dealers and department offices. Hunters interested in a permit-tag for fall deer, bighorn sheep, fall buffalo, fall turkey, juniors-only fall javelina, or pheasant are required to submit a paper application for the drawing process. There is no online application process available. Applications may be hand delivered to any of the seven department offices or sent by U.S. mail to Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Drawing Section, PO Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052 before the deadline. Postmarks do not count.

Honey Stinger

Professional cyclist Lance Armstrong has teamed with Honey Stinger. Armstrong will work with the Steamboat Springs, Colo.-based manufacturer of honey-based nutritional foods on product development and promotions. Honey Stinger Marketing Director Len Zanni said the company is considering using images of Armstrong riding or racing on packaging and other marketing materials. The partnership was formed “over the course of long bike rides and get-togethers with company leaders,” said a company press release. For more information about Honey Stinger’s products, visit www.honeystinger.com.

Women invited to learn shooting skills

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) in Michigan is offering a Beginning Shooting Clinic designed for women as part of DNRE’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program on June 12. The clinic is open to beginners as well as those who would like to sharpen their shotgun and rifle skills. Participants will learn and practice shotgun shooting technique, determining the dominant eye, proper stance and firearm fit, and have the opportunity to practice trap shooting.

Firearms will be available for use and ammunition provided. This class will be held at DNRE Rose Lake Shooting Range in Bath from 8 a.m. to noon. Register by June 7 at www.michigan.gov/bow. Fees are $20 per person. For more information, e-mail dnr-outdoors-woman@michigan.gov or call 517-241-2225.

Slots open for IPSC Pan American Shotgun Championship

Slots are still available for the 2010 IPSC Pan American Shotgun Championship, scheduled for July 29 to Aug. 1 at the Park Mammoth Resort in Park City, Ky. The level four IPSC shotgun championship will feature 30 stages with a round count of 350. Top shotgunners from throughout the U.S. as well as a number of other nations are expected to compete. For more information on this year’s championship, visit www.PanAmericanShotgun.org.

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New Members

• Joseph M. Brooks
• Carey M. Kish
• Lydia Lohrer-Bevier
• Philip Quade
• Ashley Schroeder
• Jacob R. Schwaller
• Matthew K. Straw

Proposed New Members

• DeBoer, Travis R., P.O. Box 450, 202 Spaulding Avenue, Winchester, ID 83555. (H) 208-924-8685, travisrdeboer@hotmail.com, www.guerillaguideservice.com. Regular contributor to Big Sky Outdoor News, Washington and Oregon Game & Fish. Built and maintain the outdoor website, www.guerillaguideservice.com. (Julie Seid) Applying for Active Membership; sponsored by Jack Ballard.
• Piersma, Bradley, 1001 Park Lane, Stevensville, MT 59870. (H) 406-240-9224, bjpiersma@yahoo.com. Semi-retired carpenter with lots of hunting and fishing stories stuck in my head. Current student of the North American School of Outdoor Writing. (Martha) Applying for Student Membership; sponsored by Roger Brunt.
• Sali, Wade, P.O. Box 190, Rural Route 2, Suite 200, Regina, SK S4P2Z2 Canada. (H) 306-359-1825, (W) 306-351-8587, wadesali@gmail.com. Growing up in Saskatchewan, Wade developed a love of the outdoors. Currently a student of the North American School of Outdoor Writing. (Cindy) Applying for Student Membership; sponsored by Roger Brunt.
• Wright, Eric, 4275 200th Lane NE, East Bethel, MN 55092-8527. (H) 763-434-3075, butternutfarms@q.com. With a Bachelor’s of Science in geology, Wright has decided to expand himself into outdoor writing to share his interest with others. Current student of the North American School of Outdoor Writing. (Heicke) Applying for Student Membership; sponsored by Roger Brunt.

Reinstated Members

Rick Combs, 7289 Anderson Woods Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244. (H) 513-231-1455, (W) 513-260-7213, rcombs6@cinci.rr.com. Field editor, Bowhunting World. Co-host, “Big Outdoors,” WLW radio (Cincinnati). Freelance writer/photographer with credits in most major outdoor pubs. Book author. PR/ad consultant.

Betty Wills, Earthwave Society, 16151 Hwy. 377 South, Fort Worth, TX 76126. (H) 817-443-0258, (W) 817-443-0258, (F) 817-443-0258, betwills@mac.com. Writer, director and producer: TV and video, public TV documentaries, various outdoor programs. Specialties include underwater video and photography, fish, wildlife, environmental programs, PSAs, presentation videos, special interest videos, commercials. Reinstated Active membership.

New Supporting Groups, Agencies and Businesses

• Custom Cottages Inc., 1127 Harrison Street, Shakopee, MN 55379. Contact: Eric Bongard, Owner. (W) 612-221-3214, ericb@customcottagesinc.com, www.customcottagesinc.com. Aluminum mobile shelters for those who enjoy fishing, hunting and camping.
• Global Outfitters, Inc., 7500 Memorial Parkway South, Suite 115P, Huntsville, AL 35802. Contact: Sam Hall, president, (W) 256-585-1677, (F) 256-858-1679, samhall@globaloutfitters.com, www.globaloutfitters.com. Travel site, TV show, interactive web portal for hunting, fishing and shooting.
• Lake of the Woods Tourism, P.O. Box 518, Baudette, MN 56623. Contact: Jenna Walton, Executive Director. (W) 218-634-1174, (F) 218-634-2915, jenna@lakeofthewoodsmn.com, www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com. Promoter of Lake of the Woods as a hunting and fishing destination. We offer world class fishing and first class accomodations.
• Ram Trucks, 1000 Chrysler Drive, CIMS 485-06-48, Auburn Hills, MI 48326. Contact: David Elshoff, Head of Communications. (W) 248-512-2690, (F) 248-512-1756, dte@chrysler.com, www.media.chrysler.com; www.ramtrucks.com. The Ram Truck brand offers a full line-up of award-winning trucks. From the refinement of the Ram 1500 to the durability of its heavy duty pickups and chassis cab trucks, Ram builds and sells trucks that appeal to both the sportsman and the workplace.

Credentials Reviews

The following members have successfully passed the review of their member credentials:

• Bill Graham
• Bill Hilts, Jr.

Contact Updates

• Mule Deer Foundation, 1939 S 4130 W, Suite H, Salt Lake City, UT 84104

Deceased Member

• Margie Rogers

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