Welcome to the OWAA Excellence In Craft Blog Contest. OWAA members can submit up to two entries per topic and 14 total for work published during the contest period -- Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2025.

CONTEST TOPICS:

• CONSERVATION or NATURE — Recognizes blog posts that emphasize successes or challenges in conservation or nature; interesting new discoveries within nature; or a natural history piece about a creature, plant or ecosystem.
• FAMILY PARTICIPATION/YOUTH OUTDOOR EDUCATION — Recognizes blog posts that communicate the value and enjoyment of family participation and youth education in the outdoors.
• FISHING — Recognizes blog posts about freshwater and saltwater fishing (any tackle), with emphasis on human interest or adventure.
• GEAR/TECHNICAL — Recognizes blog posts that are informative or instructional about gear (e.g., how to use outdoor equipment or other how-to topics related to the outdoors.)
• HUMOR — Recognizes blog posts that are funny or amusing.
• HUNTING or SHOOTING SPORTS — Recognizes blog posts about hunting for large or small game, or competitive and recreational shooting, with emphasis on human interest or adventure. Includes archery, firearms or other methods. 
• OUTDOOR ADVENTURE — Recognizes excellence in outdoor recreation stories from non-consumptive sports. This includes, but is not limited to, camping, backpacking, boating, hiking, wildlife watching, skiing, orienteering, mountain biking, travel, or other outdoor activities that are not fishing or hunting.

SPECIAL NOTES:

• Entries must be submitted on the Blog Contest entry form. (Access the form by clicking the Save Address and Continue button at the bottom of this page.)
• Submit one version of the entry with a link to a URL, a PDF file, or a TXT file. A separate non-byline version for judging is no longer required.
• Entries submitted with a website/electronic link (URL) must be viewable without passwords or subscriptions.
• Pay Blog Contest entry fee(s) with a credit card on the Submittable entry form or by check payable to OWAA EIC Contest and mailed to OWAA EIC Contest, 3420 Lyleburn Pl, Cincinnati, OH, 45220. See special instructions on the form for credit card payment of multiple entries.
• OWAA membership dues must be current prior to entering.
• If you experience technical difficulties completing this form or have any questions about your entry, please contact eic@owaa.org.

Welcome to the OWAA Excellence In Craft Book Contest. It is open to nonfiction work of 30 pages or more on any outdoor subject. OWAA members can submit up to two entries per category for work published during the contest period -- Dec. 1, 2023 through Nov. 30, 2025.

Categories:

• GENERAL AUDIENCE — The entry must be a factual and informative book about an outdoor recreation or conservation topic.
• YOUTH AUDIENCE — The entry must be a factual and informative book about an outdoor recreation or conservation topic and written for a youth audience.

Note:

• Entries must be submitted on the Book Contest entry form. (Access the form by clicking the Save Address and Continue button at the bottom of this page.)
• Entrant must be listed as the book author. Editor-only bylines are not acceptable.
• Entries may be submitted as hard-bound or paperback; e-books shall be submitted as PDF files on CDs.
• Ship three (3) copies of hardbound/paperback book or CDs to: OWAA EIC Contest, C/O Chez Chesak, 3420 Lyleburn Pl, Cincinnati OH 45220. The shipment must be dated no later than midnight EST, Dec. 1, 2025.
• Pay Book Contest entry fee(s) with credit card on the Submittable entry form or by check mailed to OWAA EIC Contest, 3420 Lyleburn Pl, Cincinnati, OH, 45220.
• Second edition books may be entered if 1) at least 20% of the revised book contains new material; 2) it was republished within the contest dates, and 3) the original version of the book was not entered in a previous OWAA EIC Book Contest. 
• Copies of entries will not be returned but instead donated to the contest judges.
• OWAA membership dues must be current prior to entering.
• If you experience technical difficulties completing this form or have any questions about your entry, please contact eic@owaa.org.

Welcome to the OWAA Excellence In Craft Column Contest. OWAA members may submit up to two entries in this contest for work published during the contest period -- Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2025. 

An entry consists of three samples published in a blog, magazine or newspaper. Three samples are required per entry so they can be judged as a body of work. Samples should express or display opinion, analysis or perspective featuring the writer's voice. Good storytelling across more than one topic also is welcome. Entries with less than three samples will be disqualified. 

SPECIAL NOTES:

• Entries must be submitted on the Column Contest entry form. (Access the form by clicking the Save Address and Continue button at the bottom of this page.)
• Submit one version of the entry with a link to URLs, PDF files, or TXT files for each sample. A separate non-byline version for judging is no longer required.
• Entries submitted with a website/electronic link (URL) must be viewable without passwords or subscriptions.
• Pay Column Contest entry fee(s) with a credit card on the Submittable entry form or by check payable to OWAA EIC Contest and mailed to OWAA EIC Contest, 3420 Lyleburn Pl, Cincinnati, OH, 45220. See special instructions on the form for credit card payment of multiple entries.
• OWAA membership dues must be current prior to entering.
• If you experience technical difficulties completing this form or have any questions about your entry, please contact eic@owaa.org.
  
  
   

Welcome to the OWAA Excellence In Craft Graphic/Illustration Contest. OWAA members can submit up to two entries in this contest that were published in a blog, magazine, or newspaper; sold as fine art in a gallery, on a website, or other public display; or created revenue for the artist or a nonprofit organization as a donation by the artist during the contest period -- Jan. 1, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2025. Cartoon/cartoon strips accepted.

Topic: 

• GENERAL/OVERALL OUTDOOR — Based on outdoor recreation or nature.
   

SPECIAL NOTES:

• Entries must be submitted on the Graphic/Illustration Contest entry form. (Access the form by clicking the Save Address and Continue button at the bottom of this page.)
• Submit one version of the entry with a link to a URL, a PDF file, or an image as a .gif, .jpg, or .png file. A separate non-byline version for judging is no longer required.
• Entries submitted with a website/electronic link (URL) must be viewable without passwords or subscriptions.
• Pay Graphic/Illustration Contest entry fee(s) with a credit card on the Submittable entry form or by check payable to OWAA EIC Contest and mailed to OWAA EIC Contest, 3420 Lyleburn Pl, Cincinnati, OH, 45220. See special instructions on the form for credit card payment of multiple entries.
• OWAA membership dues must be current prior to entering.
• If you experience technical difficulties completing this form or have any questions about your entry, please contact eic@owaa.org.

Welcome to the OWAA Excellence In Craft Magazine Contest. OWAA members can submit up to two entries per topic and 14 total for work published during the contest period -- Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2025.

CONTEST TOPICS:

• CONSERVATION or NATURE — Recognizes magazine articles that emphasize successes or challenges in conservation or nature; interesting new discoveries within nature; or a natural history piece about a creature, plant or ecosystem.
• FAMILY PARTICIPATION/YOUTH OUTDOOR EDUCATION — Recognizes magazine articles that communicate the value and enjoyment of family participation and youth education in the outdoors.
• FISHING — Recognizes magazine articles about freshwater and saltwater fishing (any tackle), with emphasis on human interest or adventure.
• GEAR/TECHNICAL — Recognizes magazine articles that are informative or instructional about gear (e.g., how to use outdoor equipment or other how-to topics related to the outdoors.)
• HUMOR — Recognizes magazine articles that are funny or amusing.
• HUNTING or SHOOTING SPORTS — Recognizes magazine articles about hunting for large or small game, or competitive and recreational shooting, with emphasis on human interest or adventure. Includes archery, firearms or other methods.
• OUTDOOR ADVENTURE — Recognizes excellence in outdoor recreation stories from non-consumptive sports. This includes, but is not limited to, camping, backpacking, boating, hiking, wildlife watching, skiing, orienteering, mountain biking, travel, or other outdoor activities that are not fishing or hunting.

SPECIAL NOTES:

• Entries must be submitted on the Magazine Contest entry form. (Access the form by clicking the Save Address and Continue button at the bottom of this page.)
• Submit one version of the entry with either a link to a URL, a PDF file, or a TXT file. A separate non-byline version for judging is no longer required.
• Entries submitted with a website/electronic link (URL) must be viewable without passwords or subscriptions.
• Although not required, adding the entry's URL link to the entry form will help with OWAA's publicity of EIC winning entries.
• Pay Magazine Contest entry fee(s) with a credit card on the Submittable entry form or by check payable to OWAA EIC Contest and mailed to OWAA EIC Contest, 3420 Lyleburn Pl, Cincinnati, OH, 45220. See special instructions on the form for credit card payment of multiple entries.
• OWAA membership dues must be current prior to entering.
• If you experience technical difficulties completing this form or have any questions about your entry, please contact eic@owaa.org.

Welcome to the OWAA Excellence In Craft Newspaper Contest. OWAA members can submit up to two entries per topic and 14 total for work published during the contest period -- Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2025.
 

OWAA membership dues must be current prior to entering.

CONTEST TOPICS:

• CONSERVATION or NATURE — Recognizes newspaper articles that emphasize successes or challenges in conservation or nature; interesting new discoveries within nature; or a natural history piece about a creature, plant or ecosystem.
• FAMILY PARTICIPATION/YOUTH OUTDOOR EDUCATION — Recognizes newspaper articles that communicate the value and enjoyment of family participation and youth education in the outdoors.
• FISHING — Recognizes newspaper articles about freshwater and saltwater fishing (any tackle), with emphasis on human interest or adventure.
• GEAR/TECHNICAL — Recognizes newspaper articles that are informative or instructional about gear (e.g., how to use outdoor equipment or other how-to topics related to the outdoors.)
• HUMOR — Recognizes newspaper articles that are funny or amusing.
• HUNTING or SHOOTING SPORTS — Recognizes newspaper articles about hunting for large or small game, or competitive and recreational shooting, with emphasis on human interest or adventure. Includes archery, firearms or other methods.
• OUTDOOR ADVENTURE — Recognizes excellence in outdoor recreation stories from non-consumptive sports. This includes, but is not limited to, camping, backpacking, boating, hiking, wildlife watching, skiing, orienteering, mountain biking, travel, or other outdoor activities that are not fishing or hunting.
   

SPECIAL NOTES:

• Entries must be submitted on the Newspaper Contest entry form. (Access the form by clicking the Save Address and Continue button at the bottom of this page.)
• Submit one version of the entry with either a link to a URL, a PDF file, or a TXT file. A separate non-byline version for judging is no longer required.
• Entries submitted with a website/electronic link (URL) must be viewable without passwords or subscriptions.
• Pay Newspaper Contest entry fee(s) with a credit card on the Submittable entry form or by check payable to OWAA EIC Contest and mailed to OWAA EIC Contest, 3420 Lyleburn Pl, Cincinnati, OH, 45220. See special instructions on the form for credit card payment of multiple entries.
• OWAA membership dues must be current prior to entering.
• If you experience technical difficulties completing this form or have any questions about your entry, please contact eic@owaa.org.

Welcome to the OWAA Excellence In Craft Open Category Contest. OWAA members can submit up to two entries published during the contest period -- Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2025.

This category is open to work that may not fit in other EIC Contest catregories. This would include any mixed media, social media, print or broadcast series, or other media types that don't fit in other print or digital contests.

Any submissions in the Open Contest cannot be entered in another contest.

SPECIAL NOTES: 

• Entries must be submitted on the Open Category Contest entry form. (Access the form by clicking the Save Address and Continue button at the bottom of this page.)
• Entries submitted with a website/electronic link (URL) must be viewable without passwords or subscriptions.
• Entries published in Calendars must carry a 2025 date.
• Pay Open Category Contest entry fee(s) with a credit card on the Submittable entry form or by check payable to OWAA EIC Contest and mailed to OWAA EIC Contest, 3420 Lyleburn Pl, Cincinnati, OH, 45220. See special instructions on the form for credit card payment of multiple entries.
• OWAA membership dues must be current prior to entering.
• If you experience technical difficulties completing this form or have any questions about your entry, please contact eic@owaa.org.

Welcome to the OWAA Excellence In Craft Photography Contest. OWAA members can submit up to two entries per topic and 14 total for work published during the contest period -- Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2025.

  Images must be published in a blog, magazine, or newspaper; sold as fine art in a gallery, on a website, or other public display; or created revenue for the artist or a nonprofit organization as a donation by the artist during the contest period. 

CONTEST TOPICS: 

• ACTION — Captures action (movement, motion) in an outdoor subject.
• PEOPLE — Primary subject is one or more people in an outdoor setting.
• FAUNA — A wild animal, bird, fish, insect or other live creature is the main subject in its natural setting. Human beings are excluded from the subject matter.
• FLORA — Wild plant(s) is the main subject in its natural setting.
• FAMILY PARTICIPATION/YOUTH OUTDOOR EDUCATION — Recognizes excellence in communicating the value and enjoyment of family participation and youth education in the outdoors.
• OUTDOOR ADVENTURE — Recognizes excellence in outdoor recreation stories from non-consumptive sports. This includes, but is not limited to, camping, backpacking, boating, hiking, wildlife watching, skiing, orienteering, mountain biking, travel, or other outdoor activities that are not fishing or hunting.
• SCENIC — Portrayal of a landscape or other outdoor scene in which the general view, rather than a specific person, animal or plant, is the theme of the image.

SPECIAL NOTES: 

• Entries must be submitted on the Photography Contest entry form. (Access the form by clicking the Save Address and Continue button at the bottom of this page.)
• Submit one version of the entry as a JPG file. A separate non-byline version for judging is no longer required.
• Entries submitted with a website/electronic link (URL) must be viewable without passwords or subscriptions.
• Entries published in Calendars must carry 2025 date.
• Pay Photography Contest entry fee(s) with a credit card on the Submittable entry form or by check payable to OWAA EIC Contest and mailed to OWAA EIC Contest, 3420 Lyleburn Pl, Cincinnati, OH, 45220. See special instructions on the form for credit card payment of multiple entries.
• OWAA membership dues must be current prior to entering.
• If you experience technical difficulties completing this form or have any questions about your entry, please contact eic@owaa.org.

• Welcome to the OWAA Excellence In Craft Photo Essay Contest. The photos featured in the essay may have been taken at any time but must have been published, sold, or donated between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2025.
• An entry consists of a series of three to 20 photographs around a common theme or that tell a story through images related to the outdoors/nature. You may submit up to two entries.
  
  Black-and-white and/or color photos. The photographs must be published together simultaneously in a printed newspaper, news website, magazine, online magazine, or blog; displayed as a cohesive collection as fine art in a gallery (e.g., exhibition where at least one print sold); or otherwise have created revenue for the photographer or a nonprofit organization as a donation by the photographer, during the contest year.
  
  SPECIAL NOTES: 
• Entries must be submitted on the Photo Essay Contest entry form. (Access the form  by clicking the Save Address and Continue button at the bottom of this page.)
• The photos featured in the essay may have been taken at any time but must have been published, sold, or donated between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2025.
• A minimum of 3 and a maximum of 20 photographs may be submitted.
• Submit one JPEG for each photograph featured in the photographic essay. Recommended specs for each image -- 72 dpi JPEG sized to approximately 14 inches on the longest side.
• Submit a URL link or PDF of the full essay as it appeared in published form.
• To help judges evaluate the photo essay as it appeared, entrants can submit the images in the order they were displayed in a publication or gallery setting, or to upload a PDF of the essay in the appropiriate place on the entry form. This step is not required but encouraged.
• Individual photographs contained within the collection may be submitted to other EIC contest categories.
• Pay Photo Essay Contest entry fee(s) with a credit card on the Submittable entry form or by check payable to OWAA EIC Contest and mailed to OWAA EIC Contest, 3420 Lyleburn Pl, Cincinnati, OH, 45220. See special instructions on the form for credit card payment of multiple entries.
• OWAA membership dues must be current prior to entering.
• If you experience technical difficulties completing this form or have any questions about your entry, please contact eic@owaa.org.

Welcome to the OWAA Excellence In Craft Radio/Podcast Contest. OWAA members can submit up to two entries per topic and 12 total for work broadcast during the contest period -- Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2025.

The contest encompasses all forms of audio-specific production. Entries must be submitted as originally produced for air, podcast or subscription.

CONTEST TOPICS:

• CONSERVATION or NATURE — Recognizes magazine articles that emphasize successes or challenges in conservation or nature; interesting new discoveries within nature; or a natural history piece about a creature, plant or ecosystem.
• FAMILY PARTICIPATION/YOUTH OUTDOOR EDUCATION — Recognizes magazine articles that communicate the value and enjoyment of family participation and youth education in the outdoors.
• FISHING — Recognizes magazine articles about freshwater and saltwater fishing (any tackle), with emphasis on human interest or adventure.
• GEAR/TECHNICAL — Recognizes magazine articles that are informative or instructional about gear (e.g., how to use outdoor equipment or other how-to topics related to the outdoors.)
• HUNTING or SHOOTING SPORTS — Recognizes magazine articles about hunting for large or small game, or competitive and recreational shooting, with emphasis on human interest or adventure. Includes archery, firearms or other methods.
• OUTDOOR ADVENTURE — Recognizes excellence in outdoor recreation stories from non-consumptive sports. This includes, but is not limited to, camping, backpacking, boating, hiking, wildlife watching, skiing, orienteering, mountain biking, travel, or other outdoor activities that are not fishing or hunting.

SPECIAL NOTES: 

• Entries must be submitted on the Radio/Podcast Contest entry form. (Access the form by clicking the Save Address and Continue button at the bottom of this page.)
• Submit one version of the entry with either a link to a URL, or a file in MP3, M4A, or WAV format.
• Entries submitted with a website/electronic link (URL) must be viewable without passwords or subscriptions.
• Pay Radio/Podcast Contest entry fee(s) with a credit card on the Submittable entry form or by check payable to OWAA EIC Contest and mailed to OWAA EIC Contest, 3420 Lyleburn Pl, Cincinnati, OH, 45220. See special instructions on the form for credit card payment of multiple entries.
• OWAA membership dues must be current prior to entering.
• If you experience technical difficulties completing this form, please contact eic@owaa.org.

Welcome to the OWAA Excellence In Craft TV/Video/Webcast Contest. OWAA members can submit up to two entries per topic and 12 total for work broadcast during the contest period -- Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2025.

The entrant must select one or more of following roles on the entry form: Producer/Director, On-Camera Talent, Videographer, and/or Editor. The entry shall be judged only for the entrant’s role(s) in the production.

CONTEST TOPICS:

• CONSERVATION or NATURE — Recognizes magazine articles that emphasize successes or challenges in conservation or nature; interesting new discoveries within nature; or a natural history piece about a creature, plant or ecosystem.
• FAMILY PARTICIPATION/YOUTH OUTDOOR EDUCATION — Recognizes magazine articles that communicate the value and enjoyment of family participation and youth education in the outdoors.
• FISHING — Recognizes magazine articles about freshwater and saltwater fishing (any tackle), with emphasis on human interest or adventure.
• GEAR/TECHNICAL — Recognizes magazine articles that are informative or instructional about gear (e.g., how to use outdoor equipment or other how-to topics related to the outdoors.)
• HUNTING or SHOOTING SPORTS — Recognizes magazine articles about hunting for large or small game, or competitive and recreational shooting, with emphasis on human interest or adventure. Includes archery, firearms or other methods.
• OUTDOOR ADVENTURE — Recognizes excellence in outdoor recreation stories from non-consumptive sports. This includes, but is not limited to, camping, backpacking, boating, hiking, wildlife watching, skiing, orienteering, mountain biking, travel, or other outdoor activities that are not fishing or hunting.
   

SPECIAL NOTES:

• Entries must be submitted on the TV/Video/Webcast Contest entry form. (Access the form by clicking the Save Address and Continue button at the bottom of this page.)
• Submit one version of the entry with either a link to a URL, or a file in MP3, M4A, or WAV format.
• Entries submitted with a website/electronic link (URL) must be viewable without passwords or subscriptions.
• Pay TV/Video/Webcast Contest entry fee(s) with a credit card on the Submittable entry form or by check payable to OWAA EIC Contest and mailed to OWAA EIC Contest, 3420 Lyleburn Pl, Cincinnati, OH, 45220. See special instructions on the form for credit card payment of multiple entries.
• OWAA membership dues must be current prior to entering.
• If you experience technical difficulties completing this form or have any questions about your entry, please contact eic@owaa.org.