Please study all the category criteria and submission guidelines published in this edition of PowWow before submitting entries. There are 21 Craft Awards this year – eight core awards and 13 specialty awards.
New this year are five specialty awards: The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Raptor Conservation and Eco-Tourism Award, sponsored by Hawk Mountain Sanctuary; the Pennsylvania Elk Resource Award, sponsored by the Keystone Elk Country Alliance; the Best Published Pennsylvania Fishing or Boating Related Newspaper Photo, color or black & white, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission; the Wildlife Conservation Partnership Award, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Handloading Promotion Award for Electronic Media, sponsored by Redding Reloading.
A runner-up certificate will be awarded in all categories that have three or more entries.
There is a $5 entry fee per category. Please fill out the “Craft Award Entry Form” located in this issue of PowWow, add up the total number of categories entered and multiply that number by $5 to calculate the grand total. Submit a single check or money order with the appropriate amount made payable to “POWA” and include it with your entry. Entries not accompanied by the required fee will be disqualified.
Contest entries must be postmarked by February 1, 2014. Winners will be announced at the annual POWA Awards Banquet in May.
Entries should be mailed to: Brad Isles, per the instructions on the registration form.
1. All Active, Apprentice and Life members of POWA in good standing are eligible to enter.
2. A maximum of two (2) entries per award is allowed, unless otherwise noted. Edit yourself and only submit your best work. Additional entries will be disqualified.
3. Four copies of each entry are required for each award, (both originals and exact photocopies of the entry, just as the entry appeared to the public in print are permissible). Exception: for the Best Published Photo, Best Published Art and the Best Book/Radio-TV award contests, send one original each.
4. Joint bylines: Co-authored / photographed / produced entries may be entered only once. Joint bylines will be considered as an entry for each contributor. All entrants of co-authored entries must be POWA members.
5. A letter of verification from the editor/publisher must accompany materials not containing bylines, or containing pen names.
6. To be considered for an award, the published material must have been compensated for by cash, check, goods or services of value.
7. Members may submit an entry in only one Core Award* category, to eliminate the possibility of a person winning multiple core awards for a single piece. For example: an item published in a newspaper may not be entered in both the newspaper column and the newspaper feature categories. In nearly every instance, such a distinction is obvious. On the other hand, a member may submit an entry for a writing award, and the accompanying photo/art for a photo/art award. A member also may submit an entry in one Core Award, and in any number of Specialty Awards for which it meets the criteria. Entries submitted for the wrong award will not be considered.
8. Entries must cover nature, wildlife, conservation or outdoor field sports such as hunting, fishing, camping and boating. Topics such as swimming, diving, golf, hang gliding, etc., do not qualify, unless stated.
9. Entries must have been published in the prior calendar year, unless indicated otherwise in the contest description. One entry copy must identify publication, date of publication and author. The other three copies (see No. 3) must have all identifying marks, bylines, personal photos and references to you blacked out and rendered unreadable, with the exception of the book or video category.
10. Entries must NOT be bound, matted, changed in size, altered, edited, or submitted in any form other than exactly how they were published and viewed by the public. Entries altered from their published form will be disqualified. Let the entry stand on its merits, rather than its “packaging.” Photocopies are permissible.
11. Envelopes or folders containing entries must be clearly marked on the front with the name of the award for which the entry is being submitted. Do not combine entries for more than one award in a single envelope or folder.
12. Entries must be postmarked no later than February 1, 2014.
13. Contest materials will be returned by mail only if accompanied by a self-addressed envelope stamped with sufficient postage.
14. Winning entries constitutes a waiver of copyright restrictions on reprinting the entry by POWA for their website and printed publications.
15. The Awards Chairman is not responsible for determining the validity of entries. Any questions concerning the validity of an entry will be forwarded to the President, and if he or she deems it necessary, to the Board for a decision. Further, if the President has any questions, doubts or concerns about an entry, the person submitting it will be notified immediately and given the opportunity to address whatever the question or concern might be, before any other steps are taken.
Download a registration form HERE.
POWA CORE AWARDS*
1. BEST NEWSPAPER COLUMN ($150 and plaque, sponsored by Pennsylvania Hunters Sharing the Harvest) – Entries must have been published in a daily or weekly newspaper column. To meet the “column” requirement, the author’s work must appear as a column in the same publication at least twelve times each year. Original tear sheets or exact photocopies as the column appeared when published are acceptable. Submit four copies of the entry.
2. BEST NEWSPAPER FEATURE ($150 and plaque, sponsored by POWA EIC Membership) – Entries must deal with a single topic and be either a single article or a series of not more than five articles about a single topic. The publication frequency example for the Best Newspaper Column applies here as well. Original tear sheets or exact photocopies as the feature appeared when published are acceptable. Submit four copies of the entry.
3. BEST MAGAZINE OR REGIONAL NEWSPAPER COLUMN ($150 and plaque, sponsored by Gogal Publishing Co.) – A “regional newspaper” is one such as Pennsylvania Outdoor News, which publishes other than daily or weekly. The subject must be primarily of interest to Pennsylvanians or at least be applicable to Pennsylvania. For example, a column on buck hunting is appropriate even if it doesn’t mention Pennsylvania, as long as it is about white-tailed deer and the reader can relate the article to a comparable experience in Pennsylvania. A similar column on mule deer, however, would not be acceptable. It need not be an outdoor publication, as long as the entry qualifies. To meet the “column” requirement, the author’s work must appear in the same publication at least six times each year. Original tear sheets or exact photocopies as the column appeared when published are acceptable. Submit four copies of the entry.
4. BEST MAGAZINE OR REGIONAL NEWSPAPER FEATURE ($150 and plaque, sponsored by Blackpowder Products Inc.) – The above definition of a regional newspaper applies here as well. The subject must be of primary interest to Pennsylvanians or at least be applicable to Pennsylvania. The entry may be a single article or a series of not more than three articles dealing with a single subject. Original tear sheets or exact photocopies as the feature appeared when published are acceptable. Submit four copies of the entry.
5. BEST PUBLISHED NEWSPAPER PHOTO, COLOR OR BLACK & WHITE ($150 and plaque, sponsored by POWA Past Presidents) – This photography category is for best published newspaper, regional newspaper or other pulp-type photography award. Entries must be submitted as they appeared when published. The format the photograph was taken in—black & white or color—does not matter, only the published form. The photo credit, caption or cutline must also be included with the entry, exactly as it appeared when published. The entry must include the name of the publication and the title of the story (headline) which was used, if applicable. The entry must NOT be mounted, matted or changed in any way from how the public viewed it as published. Submit one original tear sheet or an exact photocopy.
6. BEST PUBLISHED MAGAZINE PHOTO, COLOR OR BLACK & WHITE ($150 and plaque, sponsored by POWA EIC Membership) – This photography category is for best published magazine or non pulp-type photography award. Photos published in pamphlets, brochures, on postcards, calendars, etc., are eligible, as long as they were published in the award year. Entries must be submitted as they appeared when published. The format the photograph was taken in – black & white or color – does not matter, only the published form. The photo credit, caption or cutline must also be included with the entry, exactly as it appeared when published. The entry must include the name of the publication and the title of the story (headline) which was used, if applicable. In addition, an explanation of the use of the photograph to illustrate an article, column, etc., may be included, but is not mandatory. The entry must NOT be mounted, matted or changed in any way from how the public viewed it as published. Submit one original tear sheet or an exact photocopy. One award will be given for this category.
7. BEST RADIO / TV PROGRAM AWARD (alternates with BEST BOOK AWARD) ($150 and plaque, sponsored by POWA EIC Membership) – These two awards alternate each year. Entries for each award, when offered, must have been published in the preceding two years. The theme in both cases must be outdoor oriented. Submit one copy of each entry.
8. * BEST PUBLISHED ART AWARD, COLOR OR BLACK & WHITE ($150 and plaque, sponsored by GATCO Sharpeners/Timberline Knives) – * Published art work shall include magazines, newspapers, catalogues, brochures, or any other publication available to the public to convey the outdoor message. Published work may include limited or unlimited editions of fine art works, as long as the published form of the work is submitted for judging, the artist was compensated for the publication, the entry submitted was not self-published and the entry appeared in publication during the prior calendar year. The published art entry must be submitted as it actually appeared when published and was viewed by the public. The entry must NOT be matted, framed, bound, or altered in any way from how it appeared as published. Such entries will be disqualified. The entry must include the name of the publication and the title of the story (headline) which was used, if applicable. In addition an explanation of the use of the art to illustrate an article, column, etc., may be included, but is not mandatory. Submit one original tear sheet or an exact photocopy. One award will be given for this category.
POWA SPECIALTY AWARDS
1. BASS PRO SHOPS PASS IT ON AWARD ($300 and plaque, sponsored by Bass Pro Shops) – This award recognizes and praises a POWA Active member who has been responsible for introducing people (novice adults, children or a group, audience or readership) to the outdoors or enhancing their appreciation of the outdoors. The award shall be given for the best (1) published newspaper or magazine article, (2) broadcast radio or TV program, (3) commercially marketed video, OR (4) published black and white or color photo or art, which most effectively promotes passing on the love and appreciation of the outdoors, natural resources and pursuits such as hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, camping, boating, bird-watching and nature appreciation. Submit four copies of the entry.
2. WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP AWARD ($250 and plaque, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Game Commission) – The award will go to the best entry from any and all media that recognizes difference-making partnerships among conservation organizations –including state or federal agencies. The partnership must demonstrate that together resources and talents can be leveraged to better accomplish conservation goals and initiatives. All entries must be about Pennsylvania projects and must have been published in the preceding year. Submit four copies of the entry.
3. HAWK MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY RAPTOR CONSERVATION AND ECO-TOURISM AWARD ($200 and a plaque, sponsored by Hawk Mountain Sanctuary) – This award goes to the POWA member with the best published piece in any media that promotes the mission of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, its programs and services, or the Sanctuary as a raptor conservation organization and outdoor eco-tourist destination. All entries must have been published or aired within the past 12 months. Articles may include: subjects featuring the science of raptor migration; features on studies of raptors in Pennsylvania or northeastern North America and using Hawk Mountain scientists as a source expert; any feature on a special programs or service offered at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary; features on the history of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary; or an outdoor travel pieces on the Sanctuary as a destination in any season. The mission of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is to conserve birds of prey worldwide by providing leadership in raptor conservation science and education, and by maintaining Hawk Mountain Sanctuary as a model observation, research and education facility. www.hawkmountain.org.
4. THE PENNSYLVANIA ELK RESOURCE AWARD ($200 and plaque, sponsored by the Keystone Elk Country Alliance) – This award recognizes a POWA member who has best communicated to the public the principals of conservation, education, hunting, hunting heritage, and the value of habitat to the Elk Resource in Pennsylvania. Entry categories for the award are broad and include any art, article, column, or photograph published (on paper or digitally), as well as any radio or TV broadcast, blog, or any commercially marketed video. The winning entry will be the best example of promoting the elk resource in the Commonwealth. Those applying must grant the Keystone Elk Country Alliance permission to have the winning entry (blog, column, article, photo or art) reprinted in their publication Tracks & Racks. Submit four copies of the entry.
5. BEST PUBLISHED PENNSYLVANIA FISHING OR BOATING RELATED NEWSPAPER PHOTO, COLOR OR BLACK & WHITE (Framed Ned Smith “Sting of the Hook” art print with brass plate acknowledging the winning entry, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission) – This photography category is for the best published local or regional newspaper photograph (printed on newsprint paper) that features Pennsylvania fishing, sport fish, boating or fishing tackle. All entries must have been taken within the Keystone State and published during the previous calendar year. If the winning entry meets the Pennsylvania Angler & Boater photo submission guidelines, the PFBC would like the option of reprinting the winning photograph in their publication with acknowledgement of the photographer’s award. If so used, the PFBC will pay their going rate for their use of that photo. (This is not a condition for applying, just a possible added benefit.)
6. HANDLOADING PROMOTION AWARD FOR BROADCAST MEDIA ($150 and plaque, sponsored by Redding Reloading) – The purpose of this award is to assist in the promotion of the benefits of metallic cartridge reloading or handloading. It must be a broadcast work on either commercial television or radio format, not webcast. It will be awarded on the basis of the best communication of the inherent benefits to shooters and hunters presented by the practice of reloading their own ammunition for any shooting sports activity using a metallic cartridge. How-to, general educational and hunting success stories where reloading is a major theme are acceptable.
7. HANDLOADING PROMOTION AWARD FOR ELECTRONIC MEDIA ($150 and plaque, sponsored by Redding Reloading) – The purpose of this award is to assist in the promotion of the benefits of metallic cartridge reloading or handloading. It must be a published work in electronic format (blog, e-zine, etc.). It will be awarded on the basis of the best communication of the inherent benefits to shooters and hunters presented by the practice of reloading their own ammunition for any shooting sports activity using a metallic cartridge. How-to, general educational and hunting success stories where reloading is a major theme are acceptable.
8. HANDLOADING PROMOTION AWARD FOR PRINT MEDIA ($150 and plaque, sponsored by Redding Reloading) – The purpose of this award is to assist in the promotion of the benefits of metallic cartridge reloading or handloading. It must be a published work in either magazine or newspaper format. It will be awarded on the basis of the best communication of the inherent benefits to shooters and hunters presented by the practice of reloading their own ammunition for any shooting sports activity using a metallic cartridge. How-to, general educational and hunting success stories where reloading is a major theme are acceptable.
9. PENNSYLVANIA TRAPPERS AWARD ($150 and plaque, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Trappers Association) – This award will be given to the best published piece that promotes interest in or education about trapping. Submit four copies of the entry.
10. WILDLIFE ART AWARD ($150 and plaque, sponsored by Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art) – Artwork may be original and in any media (i.e. oil, watercolor, pastel, etc.) Three-dimensional work such as carvings and sculptures are also eligible. Reproductions or lithographs of an artist’s original work may be entered. No size restrictions. Entries must have been completed in the preceding two years. The subject may be any North American wildlife other than fish. Birds of prey, songbirds, non-game species and game birds, and animals are all suitable subjects. Previous winning entries in this category are not eligible. Artists may submit one entry and it must be present at the spring conference. Each artist is responsible for getting his/her work to and from the conference. Artists would be wise to have their entries insured. Arrangements will be made to collect all artwork at a common meeting spot for judging. Winners will be announced at the banquet.
11. TROUT & THE COLDWATER RESOURCE AWARD ($150 and plaque, sponsored by Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited) – this award will be made for the published magazine or newspaper story which best shows the importance of protecting and /or promoting our cold-water resource. The article may or may not include trout and other salmonids. Submit four copies of the entry.
12. YOUTH FISHING AWARD ($150 and plaque, sponsored by Expositions, Inc.) – This award will be given for the best published piece, magazine or newspaper, devoted to encouraging readers to introduce, or to further the involvement of children in fishing. Submit four copies of the entry.
13. YOUTH AND THE HUNTING/SHOOTING SPORTS AWARD, ($150 and plaque, sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation) – This award is given to the best published piece that furthers the participation of young people in the shooting/hunting sports. Submit four copies of each entry.