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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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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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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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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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CONTACT: OWAA Headquarters, 406-728-7434, www.owaa.org.

MISSOULA, Mont. (May 1, 2010) — Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) today announced that Robin Giner has been promoted to interim Executive Director. She will manage and direct the day-to-day affairs of a professional organization of approximately 1,200 outdoor communicators and implement the policies established by its board of directors.

“I’m really excited to have Robin Giner as our interim Executive Director. Robin has been an excellent and valuable employee for OWAA and will now have the opportunity to grow her professional career with OWAA,” said OWAA President John Beath.

“As an added bonus, Robin has grant writing experience and some great ideas to promote the growth of the organization,” he said.

Most recently, Giner has served for the past three years as OWAA’s Director of Membership and Conference Services. After working as OWAA’s executive assistant in 2000-01, Robin Giner re-joined OWAA’s staff in May 2007, after returning to Missoula from Chicago, where she worked for the Urban Libraries Council, a nonprofit membership-driven organization similar to OWAA. There she honed her skills in membership, programming, development, board governance and conference planning.

“I’m excited about the transition into my new role with OWAA, and the opportunity to better serve our membership,” Giner said.

“I’m developing a list of goals I’d like to accomplish in the coming months, including working on ways to increase our membership numbers, implementing outreach to journalism schools to entice more students to join OWAA and foster the next generation of outdoor communicators, seeking partnerships with writing and literary arts groups to better spread the mission of OWAA, and enhance our budget by seeking grants to help fund outreach and education projects,” she said.

In her new role as executive director, Giner will work toward achieving the OWAA strategic plan and mission by developing strong, positive working relationships with members, volunteers, the board, other association leaders and professionals and vendors. She will support and assist members, and serve as a liaison among elected leaders, committees, and others.

Giner will replace Kevin Rhoades, who served OWAA for 11 years, first as Editor and subsequently as Executive Director. Congratulations to Robin, and a great big Thank You to Kevin, whom we’ll miss.

The 1,200-member Outdoor Writers Association of America is the oldest and largest association of professional outdoor communicators in the United States. It was organized in 1927 by members of the Izaak Walton League of America and includes professional communicators dedicated to sharing the outdoor experience. OWAA’s professionals include writers, photographers, outdoors radio- and television show hosts, book authors, videographers, lecturers and artists. The association is headquartered in Missoula, Mont.

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New Members

• Dave Bar
• Damian Fagan
• Bill Ferris
  
• James Medved
• Carrie Mellesmoen
• Colleen J. Miniuk-Sperry
• Ron Peters

Proposed New Members

• Cerulli, Tovar, P.O. Box 82, Montpelier, VT 05601. (H) 802-426-3065, tovar.cerulli@gmail.com. A vegan-turned-hunter, Cerulli has written about wildlife, hunting, forestry and conservation for regional and national publications. He is studying environmental communications at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is working on his first book, “The Mindful Carnivore: A Vegetarian’s Hunt for Sustenance.” (Catherine) Applying for Student membership; sponsored by Donald Carbaugh, Professor, UMass-Amherst.
• Meek, Eric, 121 N. Carr St., White Hall, IL 62092. (H) 217-374-2220, falcon1978@verizon.net. Avid hunter, fisherman, canoe and kayak paddler and outdoor photographer. Wanting to share experiences via the written word. To probe wilderness ideas and environmental issues. (Susan) Applying for Student membership; sponsored by Roger Brunt.
• Suuck, Matthias “Matt” W., 28 Breteche Creek Road, Cody, WY 82414. (H) 307-272-4064, (W) 307-527-6261, (F) 307-527-7117, msuuck@wildsheepfoundation.org. Full-time paid editor of the Wild Sheep Foundation’s Wild Sheep Magazine. Prior to this position, Suuck was a staff writer for Eastman’s Hunting Journal and Eastman’s Bowhunting Journal. He also writes for other media outlets in the U.S. and Europe. Bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Montana. (Nicole) Applying for Active membership; sponsored by Gray Thornton.

Reinstated Memberships

• Drieslein, Robert A., (Active) 15808 Lund Rd. South, Eden Prairie, MN 55346, (H) 952-974-0368, (W) 763-398-3450, (F) 763-546-5913, (Cell) 612-345-0676, editor@outdoornews.com. Managing Editor, Outdoor News Publications (Minneapolis). Host, Saturday morning FAN Outdoors, KFAN Radio (Minneapolis) and FAN Radio Network. (Annette)

New Supporting Groups, Agencies and Businesses

• Continuous Metal Technology, Inc., 439 W. Main Street, Ridgway, PA 15853. Contact: Brad Clinton, director of marketing. (W) 814-772-9274, (F) 814-772-4345, bclinton@powdered-metal.com, www.tomboboutdoors.com. Bringing advanced technology to the outdoor market, from fishing lures and ammunition components to outdoor body wash and pet care products.
• Evolved Angler, 45 Hardy Court, Suite 238, Gulfport, MS 39507. Contact: John T. Marquez Jr., President. (toll free) 877-386-5833, JTM@evolvedangler.com, www.evolvedangler.com. Manufactures a complete line of performance and cotton apparel, including the exclusive manufacturer of Fishouflage brand apparel.
• Korkers, 1239 SE 12th Ave., Portland, OR 97214. Contact: Sam Houser, sales and marketing support coordinator. (toll free) 800-524-8899, (F) 503-723-7117, sam@korkers.com, www.korkers.com. A Portland, Ore.-based manufacturer, Korkers creates all terrain footwear with interchangeable traction that allows outdoor enthusiasts to adapt to varying conditions in and out of water.

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March 27, 2010 — The Executive Committee unanimously approved a new Excellence in Craft Contest program comprised of seven contests: Magazine/E-Zine; Newspaper; Television/Videocast; Radio/Podcast; Fine Arts; Photography/Illustration; and Book/E-Books. The new EIC Contest completely replaces the old contest format. Contest rules are currently being refined by the Contest Committee. ◊

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Gregg Patterson and Ken Sullins have been selected as co-recipients of OWAA’s 2010 John Madson Fellowship. The fellowship is an annual grant program that funds continuing education opportunities for OWAA members. Each award recipient will receive $1,200 for reimbursable expenses for attending a professional seminar of his choosing – virtually any opportunity to enhance communications skills.

Since first joining OWAA in 1985, Patterson has served as a writer, radio and TV broadcaster and editor. Currently he works as editor of Front Porch magazine, and is published at ESPNOutdoors.com, Sports Afield and Trout magazines. Patterson received OWAA’s 2003 Jade of Chiefs Award, the association’s top conversation award. Patterson makes his home in Little Rock, Ark.

Ken Sullins published his first outdoor article in 2001 with his work since appearing in On The Water, Game & Fish, Striped Bass and Gray’s Sporting Journal. The photography side of Sullins’ business focuses on fine-art print sales and editorial submissions for equine publications. Sullins joined OWAA in 2002 and resides in Leesburg, Va.

Both Madson Fellowship recipients have elected to attend OWAA’s Goldenrod Writing Workshop, a weeklong writing colloquium to be held at The University of Montana in Missoula, Mont., Aug. 1-7, 2010. The workshop is in a casual setting with hands-on learning from peer groups and veteran instructors. The curriculum includes assignments, discussions, readings and shared critiques along with time for writing and socializing with others who share a passion for outdoor writing.

OWAA’s John Madson Fellowship is funded through the John Madson Fellowship Fund, an endowment that thrives primarily through OWAA member contributions and fundraising efforts. Its goal is to enhance professional communication skills for OWAA members. The fellowship program is designed to honor the legacy of John Madson, one of OWAA’s most talented, respected and honored legends.

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New Members

• Eric Jay Dolin
• Jodi Applegate Stemler

Proposed New Members

• Brooks, Joseph M., 5803 Brainard Drive, Sylvania, OH 43560. (H) 419-885-1260, joe@trophy-whitetails.com. Owner, Cabin Fever Publications. Author, “Year-Round Trophy Whitetails,” (January 2007). Presently writing two more hunting books for publication in 2010-11. Owner and designer, Toad Wear trademarked clothing line. Boat sales manager, Cabelas (Dundee, Mich.), and main leasing agent for Ohio and Michigan for Base Camp Leasing Company (Ind.). (Pat) Applying for Active Membership; sponsored by Mark Taylor.
• Kish, Carey M., 21 Starbird Corner Road, Bowdoin, ME 4287. (Cell) 207-838-9669, maineoutdoors@aol.com. Multi-sport adventurer, journalist and photographer. Registered Maine guide and former president and founding member of the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club. Active MATC and ATC member and maintains two sections of the Appalachian Trail. Kish is the hiking/camping columnist for the Portland Press Herald, writes an outdoor adventure blog at MaineOutdoorJournal.com and is the skiing columnist for VisitNewEngland.com. His writing and photographs have appeared in The Maine Magazine, New England Ski Journal, Acadia Journal, Maine Cyclist, Backpacker.com and a host of other publications. Active member, New England Outdoor Writers Association, Eastern Ski Writers Assocation and New England Travel Writers Network. (Fran Leyman) Applying for Active Membership; sponsored by Mark Taylor.
• Lohrer-Bevier, Lydia, 13322 Talbot Ave., Huntington Woods, MI 48070. (H) 586-665-6769, (W) 586-738-1537, outdoor.edu@gmail.com. Conservation educator, Outdoor Explorers. Founder of nonprofit Outdoor Leadership in Environmental Adventures Program (LEAP), freelance writer, photographer, regional editor, book editor. First woman to host a nationally televised hunting show in North America, “Huntress.” Wrote, produced and starred in the longest running commercial on TOC. Host/producer “The Wildl Life” national radio show. Credits in Detroit News, Woods-N-Water News, The Richmond Review, C&G Newspapers, Michigan Out-of-Doors, TNUSA. Great Lakes editor, Gofishmagazine.com. Host, writer, producer and creator of “American Family Outdoors” television show. Specializing in conservation education, environmental literacy policy, bow hunting and Great Lakes issues. (Patrick) Applying for Active Membership; sponsored by John Beath.
• Quade, Philip, 3344 Boulton Road NW, Calgary, AB T2L1M4. (H) 403-993-7082, philip_quade@hotmail.com. Recording engineer/musician from Calgary. Currently enrolled at the North American School of Outdoor Writing to pursue his passion for the outdoors and turn it into a career. Applying for Student Membership; sponsored by Roger Brunt.
• Schroeder, Ashley, 425 Rollins Street, Apt. B, Missoula, MT 59801. (H) 406-240-5041, (W) 406-728-7434, (F) 406-728-7445, aschroeder@owaa.org. Publications editor, Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). As a freelance designer, Schroeder focuses on Web and print design, with projects ranging from publication redesign to Web site customization (www.ashleyschroeder.net). Applying for Active Membership; sponsored by Kevin Rhoades.
• Schwaller, Jacob R., Box J89, 7500 University Drive, Bismarck, ND 58504. (H) 406-465-8978, jrschwaller1@umary.edu. English student at the University of Mary (Bismarck, ND). Avid outdoorsman; native of Helena, Mont. Applying for Student Membership; sponsored by Nancy Kleingartner, University of Mary.
• Straw, Matthew K., 315 Bluff Ave., Brainerd, MN 56401. (H) 218-828-8136, (W) 218-828-8136, matthew.l.straw@gmail.com. Achelor of Arts degree in English literature/communications from the University of Michigan. Five years as a reporter for Advance Newspapers; five years as a freelance outdoor writer; 20 years as senior-editor of In-Fisherman Magazine. Currently a field editor of In-Fisherman. Applying for Active Membership; sponsored by Tony Dolle.

New Supporting Groups, Agencies and Businesses

• Jamark Laboratories, 4477 E. Paris Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512-5312. Contact: Jim Kaiser, President. (Toll Free) 888-252-6275, jimkaiser@jamarklabs.com, www.jamarklabs.com. Surgeon’s Skin Secret (beeswax moisturizer) was developed in 1950 by a plastic surgeon that used it to treat post surgical wounds. The product kept the wound from infecting and also helped reduce scarring. Surgeon’s Skin Secret is an all-natural beeswax moisturizer that contains lanolin and mineral oil. This revitalizing formula softens dry, chapped and irritated skin. Among its many extra benefits are: non-water solubility (won’t wash off easily), seals in the body’s natural moisture and it’s long-lasting formula. Jamark Laboratories, Inc. was founded in 1996 by Jim Kaiser (president and co- founder) in order to bring time-tested formulas back to the market place. Jamark Laboratories is a family owned and operated company.
• National Archery in the Schools Program, c/o Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, No. 1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601. Contact: Tom Bennett. (W) 502-594-9575, tbennett@nasparchery.com. The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) is a joint venture between state departments of education and wildlife. Several archery equipment manufacturers and organizations are also partners. The program promotes student education, physical education and participation in the life long sport of archery. The program’s focus is to provide international style target archery training in physical education classes grades 4-12.

Credentials Reviews

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

• Jim Lynch

Deceased Members

• Richard Bowles
• E. Warren Garretson
• Jerry O’Bryant, passed away October 2009

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Dear Members,

I’d like to thank you for the last 11 years, for allowing me to serve OWAA first as your newsletter editor, and subsequently as your executive director.

With no regrets I submit my resignation as executive director of OWAA.

I’ve informed OWAA’s Executive Committee that I’d like to wrap things up in 60 days. Should the board of directors want me to continue on a little longer, to ensure a smooth transition, I’d be happy to do so.

I have not applied for another position, nor been offered one. In fact, I don’t have much of my future figured out just yet, but my aspiration is to remain in the outdoor-communications field, at least in part, as many of our members’ work and lifestyles are an inspiration for me.

I can’t begin to express how meaningful it’s been to work alongside a variety of OWAA staff over the years – how rewarding it’s been to work with so many officers, directors, counsels and committee volunteers for such a long time.

I now count many of you as the very best of friends.

The last 11 years have been among the finest, most rewarding and memorable of my life. Andrea and I can’t thank you enough.

Warmest Regards,

Kevin Rhoades
OWAA Executive Director

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