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May 28, 2005
Recently, Doug and I visited with Abby Montpelier at Kissimmee, the site of the next FOWA Fall Conference. Abby gave us a tour of the sites that will host the conference, and I must say, I am very excited, as the line-up for the conference is fabulous! The conference will be based out of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Inn on 7470 U.S. 192 West in Kissimmee and it is a fantastic hotel with two large pools and a huge covered courtyard containing billiard and ping-pong tables, two restaurants, gift shop, arcade and even a miniature golf course!
A roast of fishing legend Lefty Kreh will kick off the event. The fishing tournament will be held at Lake Toho (Kissimmee Chain of Lakes), which in 2002 was the scene of many tournament records. Other plans on the agenda include a BBQ at the Osceola Historical Cracker Cow Camp with (short) cowboy poem recitations (which I'm told will bring tears to your eyes), bullwhip demonstrations and a bluegrass/country band. The camp has Cracker houses, a one-room schoolroom and a large historical museum of Florida. Also scheduled is a bus to the TNC/Wildlife Management Area property with narrated swamp buggy tours, canoeing and walking trails. When we toured this facility, Doug got within a couple of feet of a Momma Turkey on her nest and got some pretty awesome photos just before she chased him off (the rest of us were cracking up at the sight from the safety of the car!) These events are just a portion of the events that await FOWA members. The Kissimmee CVB will also be providing comp tickets to Disney, Universal and other theme parks, so if you have been waiting to attend a FOWA conference, this one is not to be missed!
Kelly Braden (KJBraden1@aol.com)
IMMEDIATE NEED
Speaker Needed
The Florida FFA Foundation is hosting two Florida Outdoor Adventure Conferences this summer consisting of 100 students each. These conferences are centered around outdoor careers that range from wildlife management to ecology to taxidermy. We are looking for a speaker who will discuss opportunities in the world of outdoor writing. The date is June 20 from 7 - 7:30 p.m. at the Florida FFA Leadership Training Center. More info on these conferences can be obtained by visiting their web site at www.flaltc.org and choosing Florida Outdoor Adventures or by calling Gary Bartley, Executive Director, at 863-439-7332 ext. 6321.
CURRENT MARKETS
Adventure Kayak
Adventure Kayak seeks kayak-touring articles that have depth, emotional impact and take-away value for the reader and that are complemented by striking photos. Articles should range from 100 to 2,000 words. Pay is 20 cents per word within 45 days following the release date of the issue in which the material appears. First North American rights are purchased. Complete guidelines are at http://www.rapidmagazineinc.com/pdf/akguidelines.pdf. Please also view Rapid and Canoeroots magazines at www.rapidmag.com. Send queries and photos via e-mail to editor@adventurekayakmag.com or via regular mail to Editorial Department, Adventure Kayak, Box 70, Palmer Rapids, ON K0J 2E0, Canada.
ByLine
ByLine magazine is accepting stories and photos. Word count and payment is as follows: fiction (2,000-4,000 words), $100; features (1,500-1,800 words), $75; end piece (700 words), $35; departments (50-600 words), $15-$40 with one good photo; and poetry, $10. Payment is upon acceptance for first North American rights. Complete guidelines are online at http://www.bylinemag.com/guidelines.asp. Include a SASE with submissions. No e-mail submissions, but e-mail queries are OK. Address poetry to Sandra Soli (sanplum@aol.com), poetry editor; short stories to Carolyn Wall (cwall@bylinemag.com), fiction editor; all other manuscripts or queries to Marcia Preston (mpreston@bylinemag.com), editor.
Canoe & Kayak
Canoe & Kayak covers canoe and kayak camping, safety, the environment and history. Features (2,000-3,000 words) and departments (300-1,000 words) pay 15 cents per published word within 30 days of publication. Sought are perpetual, first-time and exclusive worldwide print rights, including first anthology and all electronic rights. Preference is given to writers who supply color photographs. Queries and complete manuscripts are accepted via e-mail at editor@canoekayak.com or on a CD to editor, Canoe & Kayak, P.O. Box 3146, Kirkland, WA 98083-3146. E-mail questions to Mike Kord at mike@canoekayak.com. Canoe & Kayak seeks previously unpublished images in 35-mm, 2 1/4-inch, or 4x5 slide formats that demonstrate common-sense knowledge about paddlesports, safety and the environment. Purchased are non-exclusive, one-time print and electronic rights. Payment is upon publication: color, $75 for quarter-page or smaller to $500 for the cover; black and white, $50 for quarter-page or smaller to $200 for a full page; and $25 for second use of all images in the same publication. Send submissions with SASE to art director, Canoe & Kayak, 10526 N.E. 68th St., Ste. 3, Kirkland, WA 98033. E-mail questions to photos@canoekayak.com.
Fishing & Hunting News
Fishing & Hunting News seeks writers living in Utah, Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Illinois to provide reports on local fishing and hunting opportunities. Payment is as follows: 300-500 words, $25; 1,000-1,500 words, $60 (with map, $100); photos (trophy shots), $10 inside and $50 covers. Purchased are first North American serial rights (for print and electronic media) and reprint rights (for print and electronic media) for use in all Outdoor Empire Publishing publications. Contact Managing Editor John Marsh at jkmarsh@fishingandhuntingnews.com, 206-624-3845, or Andy Walgamott at awalgamott@fishingandhuntingnews.com, 206-695-8460, Fish-ing & Hunting News, 424 N. 130th St., Seattle, WA 98133.
FLW Outdoors Magazine
FLW Outdoors Magazine, geared toward serious bass, walleye, kingfish and redfish tournament anglers, seeks queries regarding celebrities and their passions for fishing (any species). Articles should be 600-1,000 words in addition to a short sidebar. Pay is $500 to $1,000 per article and $50 to $200 per photo, depending on the celebrity. Manuscripts must be original works and previously unpublished. Full print and Web rights to manuscripts and photographs are purchased. Submissions are acknowledged upon receipt. Queries will be answered as time permits. Queries should be e-mailed to Associate Editor Chris Eubanks at ceubanks@flwoutdoors.com.
Forest Magazine
Forest Magazine explores issues pertaining to America’s system of national forests with a connection to some aspect of the U.S. Forest Service. Basic pay rates are as follow: features (1,500-2,500 words) and departments (200-1,500 words), 30 cents per word with a 25-percent kill fee for unacceptable assignments; photos, $25 to $35 per published image and $100 for covers, upon acceptance. Purchased are first North American serial and electronic rights for articles, which are copyrighted under the name Forest Magazine. High-resolution color digital images and color transparencies are preferred. Query Editor Patricia Marshall at patricia@fseee.org.
Gray’s Sporting Journal
Gray’s Sporting Journal expects vividly written fact or fiction with a high entertainment value. Gray’s seeks fly-fishing and upland-bird-hunting manuscripts (1,500-3,000 words). Photo essays are accepted. Pay is from $600 to $1,250 for features, based on quality, not length; yarns average $300; poems pay $100. Pay is $50 to $300 for photographs. For “Expeditions” pieces, pay is $850 plus $75 per picture. Payment is made on publication. Modified North American serial rights are purchased. Electronic submissions are not accepted. Complete submission guidelines are published at www.grayssportingjournal.com/contact/guidelines.shtml. For more information, contact Russ Lumpkin, managing editor, 735 Broad St. (30901), P.O. Box 1207, Augusta, GA 30903-1207; call 706-823-3538; e-mail russ.lumpkin@morris.com. Gray’s Sporting Journal is perhaps best known for its dynamic, evocative photo essays and original portrayals of the outdoor sporting life. All photo submissions must include hunting or fishing action. Send a large selection of either original 35-mm slides or digital images, all properly labeled and identified. Pay is $50 to $300 for photographs, upon publication. No kill fees. Purchases modified North American serial rights. Contact Wayne Knight at P.O. Box 1207, Augusta, GA 30903-1207; call 706-722-6060; e-mail wayne.knight@morris.com. Photo es-says must include pertinent details (species, season, place, etc.) regarding the subject. See www.grayssportingjournal.com/contact/guidelines.shtml for complete details.
GRIT: American Life & Traditions, 1503 SW 42nd Street, Topeka, KS 66609. P(785)274-4300. F(785)274-4305. Email: grit@grit.com. Website: http://www.grit.com. Andrea Skalland, Editor-in-Chief. 90% freelance. "GRIT, America's family magazine since 1882, publishes items about ordinary people doing extraordinary things, accounts of interesting places of events, and real-life stories about others in the GRIT family. We tailor our magazine to provide an informative, yet entertaining, look at life in America, past and present. GRIT explores values, lifestyle and traditions important to those concerned about themselves, their families and their communities." Prefers to work with experienced writers. Circ. 90K. Monthly. Pays on publication. "No assignments or guarantees of publication are expressed or implied." No reprints. Sample $4 by mail with 9x11 SASE. Subscription $12.95. Guidelines by mail with SASE and online at http://www.grit.com/guidelines/.
CURRENT NEEDS: "See guidelines." Pays $0.15/word. "However, when articles are used as department features, the author is paid a discretionary flat rate according to length, placement and overall value to the magazine." Submit cover letter, complete ms with photos, short bio, clips and your full name, address, telephone number, Social Security number and submission title on each page by mail with SASE. Does not accept e-mailed submissions. PHOTOS/ART: "Photos are required for ms to be considered. Color photos (original prints and slides preferred) or B&W nostalgia photos." Pays $15-$25 per inside color photo, $10-$20 per black and white photo, and $50 for cover photos. HINTS: "The best education is reading several issues of GRIT for types and subjects of stories we use and our style. Include names and telephone numbers of all sources for fact-checking. Articles should have national appeal. Information in sidebar is appropriate for many stories; lists of tips, resources or helpful publications."
Heartland Boating
Heartland Boating magazine covers topics for recreational boaters who cruise inland waters from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico and along the Mississippi River and all its tributaries. All types of boats are covered, but writers must focus tightly on the North American heartland. First North American serial rights or second North American serial rights for one year after publication are purchased. Payment ranges from $50 to $250 in a package including photos. Submission window is May 15-July 1. Write first for information, include SASE, to Lee Braff, editor, Heartland Boating, 319 N. Fourth St., Ste. 650, St. Louis, MO 63102.
Lakestyle
Lakestyle magazine seeks unsolicited manuscripts focusing on cabin and lake-home ownership that celebrate this lifestyle. Lakestyle relies heavily on photography; you are encouraged to submit photography that supports your story. Pay is between 10 and 25 cents per edited word for all rights. No unsolicited material will be returned unless previously agreed to, in writing, by the publisher or editor. Complete guidelines are at www.store.lakestyle.com/lakmagguidfo.html. Submit manuscripts and ask questions via e-mail at editor@lakestyle.com, or visit www.lakestyle.com
Marco Polo Magazine
Marco Polo Magazine, geared to adventure travelers over the age of 50, seeks descriptive news (300-700 words) and feature articles (1,500-3,000 words) written in a strong voice with tight, relevant dialogue appealing to real-world travelers. Writers are encouraged to submit photography with articles. Payment is negotiated for first North American serial and nonexclusive digital reprint rights. Complete guidelines are at http://www.marcopolomagazine.com/writers/guidelines.asp. E-mail submissions or queries as attachments or part of the e-mail body to james@marcopolomagazine.com or via mail with SASE to Marco Polo Magazine, Attn.: Editorial Submissions, 695 Central Ave., Ste. 200A, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Contact james@marcopolomagazine.com.
National Geographic Adventure
National Geographic Adventure seeks articles about foreign and U.S. national and state parks; little-known or undiscovered places; and diving, climbing, mountaineering, biking, backpacking and kayaking trips varying from off-the-beaten-path locales to adventure sports articles. Photographs should accompany articles. Send portfolio submissions (fewer than 60 images) to Sabine Meyer or Caroline Hirsch, the magazine’s photo editors. Failure to furnish caption information for photos results in payment being withheld. National Geo-graphic Adventure pays travel and all field expenses. Guidelines are at www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/photo_guidelines.html. Send queries, with cost estimate, trip length and SASE to National Geographic Adventure, 104 W. 40th St., 18th Flr., New York, NY 10018; or e-mail adventure@ngs.org.
Paint Horse Journal
Paint Horse Journal (PHJ) seeks material for its “Great Rides” page. This page is a quick-read destination piece for horseback-riding enthusiasts. All submissions must include at least two good-quality, well-composed photos of the area, with at least one shot showing a horse and rider. Because the PHJ is a breed publication, the magazine cannot use photos of appaloosas, Arabians or equines that obviously are not paint horses. Photos should have a description of how to get to the location, horse/trailer accommodations at the trailhead and what will be seen on the ride itself (approximately 350-400 words total). Payment is $250 per article, paid on acceptance. Purchases first North American serial rights. Special needs: rides in the Midwest, Northeast, East and South. Query Dan Streeter at dstreeter@apha.com or call 817-834-2742, ext. 210.
The Sportsman Magazine, Archery Articles
The Sportsman Magazine, a magazine and program guide for The Sportsman Channel, is looking to create relationships with writers and photographers who are interested in getting involved with a market that distributes nationally. The Sportsman Magazine is currently seeking articles related to pre-season archery. Sought are tips on what you do to keep in shape, get your bow ready and other interesting techniques that might help out fellow bow-hunters. Previously published articles are welcome. The Sportsman Magazine is willing to pay for quality articles and feels that this is a great opportunity for writers to receive widespread exposure. For more information or to submit examples of your work, please contact Nicholle Sikora at 262-662-3800, ext. 12, or by e-mail at nsikora@thesportsmanchannel.com.
The Sportsman Magazine, Dog Training Articles
The Sportsman Magazine, a magazine and program guide for The Sportsman Channel, is looking to create relationships with writers and photographers who are interested in getting involved with a market that distributes nationally. The Sportsman Magazine is currently seeking articles related to off-season dog training. What do you do to keep your dog fit for the summer and ready to go when the season starts up again? What techniques do you recommend to keep your hunting partner alert and ready? What about some tips on what not to do during the off-season? Previously published articles are welcome. The Sportsman Magazine is willing to pay for quality articles and feels that this is a great opportunity for writers to receive widespread exposure. For more information or to submit examples of your work, please contact Nicholle Sikora at 262-662-3800, ext. 12, or by e-mail at nsikora@thesportsmanchannel.com.
The Traveling Wingshooter - New Hunting Magazine
The publisher of The Pointing Dog Journal and The Retriever Journal seeks correspondents living in major upland bird and waterfowl hunting states to supply where-to-go features. Stories would appear in The Traveling Wingshooter, launching July 2005, and may appear in either of the other two magazines. Payment is $400-$450 for 1,500-1,750 words with photos (minimum of four), upon publication, for first North American serial rights. Mail queries to Steve Smith, editor, The Traveling Wingshooter, 2779 Aero Park Dr., Traverse City, MI 49686. E-mail queries are preferred: contact Jason Smith, managing editor, jake@villagepress.com.
OUT-OF-STATE MARKETS
Alaska
Alaska is a general interest magazine about Alaska for Alaskans by Alaskans, covering wildlife, biking, hiking, camping and mountain climbing. Alaska favors natural and human history, travel, adventure and profiles. Feature articles (1,200-3,000 words) pay 38 cents per word (additional for photos), upon publication, for exclusive, worldwide, first-time and electronic rights. Complete guidelines are available at http://www.alaskamagazine.com/about/writers.shtml. Submit queries via e-mail to Senior Editor Luke Smith at luke.smith@alaskamagazine.com.
Blue Ridge Country
Blue Ridge Country, exploring the Appalachian Mountains of the South, seeks outdoor-recreation pieces on hiking, biking, backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, whitewater, etc. (150-300 words), as well as longer “Mountain-side” pieces (600 words plus sidebars). Query first; do not submit unsolicited manuscripts. Good photos are essential. Blue Ridge Country purchases first North American rights and requests that contributors wait a year before resubmitting pieces elsewhere. Send ideas to Cara Ellen Modisett, editor, cmodisett@leisurepublishing.com, 540-989-6138, fax 540-989-7603; visit www.blueridgecountry.com.
California Wild
California Wild, the quarterly natural history magazine of the California Academy of Sciences, seeks articles (1,000-3,000 words) on topics from ecology to cosmology, animal intelligence to global warming, ecological restoration to indigenous cultures. The editors primarily seek stories about California and the West but frequently includes topics that roam farther afield. Payment is 30 cents per word, paid two weeks before publication, for first North American serial and electronic rights. Guidelines are at http://www.calacademy.org/calwild/standard/guidelines.html. Query California Wild, California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 94103; or e-mail calwild@calacademy.org. California Wild seeks quality photographs from emerging and established nature photographers. Acceptable formats are 35-mm color slides and digital images in JPG format. Current needs are listed on The Guilfoyle Report, www.agpix.com; call 212-929-0959 to subscribe. Payment ranges from $75 to $175 inside, to $250 for covers, with one-time publication rights purchased. Complete guidelines are at www.calacademy.org/calwild/standard/guidelines.html. Query California Wild, California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 94103; or e-mail calwild@calacademy.org.
Catskill Mountain Region Guide
Catskill Mountain Region Guide is the monthly guide to the Catskill Mountain, Hudson Valley and Leatherstocking regions of New York State and describes the history, culture, recreation, wildlife and personalities of the area. Sought are original articles and photographs applicable to this theme. Submissions should range between 1,000 and 3,000 words. Payment is 10 cents per published word and $15-50 for photos, 30 days after publication for one-time rights. Complete guidelines are at http://www.catskillregionguide.com/submission_guidelines/index.php. Contact Sarah Taft, managing editor, Catskill Mountain Region Guide, P.O. Box 924, Hunter, NY 12442, tafts@catskillmtn.org, 518-263-4099, ext. 224.
Outdoor Oklahoma
Freelance articles are used occasionally in Outdoor Oklahoma. The editors welcome queries and speculative submissions but assume no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Payment for first-time publication rights is within the following ranges: feature-length articles (more than 1,500 words), $300-450; shorter articles (500-1,500 words), $125-250; sidebars and “Off the Beaten Path” articles, $75. One-time and Internet rights are purchased; second-time publication rights are purchased at one-half the above rates. Complete guidelines are at www.wildlifedepartment.com/freelance.htm. Contact Nels Rodefeld, editor (nrodefeld@odwc.state.ok.us); Micah Holmes, Associate Editor (mholmes@odwc.state.ok.us); or Paul Moore, Associate Editor (pmoore@odwc.state.ok.us); mailing address is 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. Outdoor Oklahoma seeks high-quality, 35-mm slides of wildlife and people enjoying hunting, fishing and other outdoor-related activities. Payment rates are as follow: color photos and artwork, $150-$325; black-and-white drawings, cartoons and photos, $100-$150. Payment is upon publication for one-time rights. Complete guidelines are at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/freelance.htm. Contact Nels Rodefeld, editor (nrodefeld@odwc.state.ok.us); Micah Holmes, Associate Editor (mholmes@odwc.state.ok.us); or Paul Moore, Associate Editor (pmoore@odwc.state.ok.us); mailing address is 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.
River Hills Traveler
River Hills Traveler publishes outdoor adventure articles and photos specific to the east and central Missouri Ozarks. Accepted are color, black-and-white or digital photos in JPG format at 150 dpi. Payment is as follows: stories (1,500 words maximum), $15 to $50; photos, $10; and cover photos, $25 for one-time rights. First rights are preferred, but reprints are considered when previous versions have not been published in a similar market area. Guidelines are at http://www.riverhillstraveler.com/writers.html. Send stories in an e-mail body to btodd@riverhillstraveler.com or via mail to River Hills Traveler, Route 4, Box 4396, Piedmont, MO 63957.
Virginia Wildlife
Virginia Wildlife, published by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, seeks submissions adhering to safe and ethical practices, current state and federal regulations, promoting blaze orange during hunting season, firearm safety, tree stand safety belts and safe boating practices using life jackets. Pay is as follows: features (1,500-1,800 words), $500; one-page articles (300-500 words), $200; journal articles (100-300 words), $50. Pay is upon publication for first and reprint rights in print and electronic media. Complete guidelines are available upon request: e-mail lee.walker@dgif.virginia.gov. Send queries, with biography, samples and SASE, to Lee Walker, editor, Virginia Wildlife, P.O. Box 11104, Richmond, VA 23230-1104.
Wildlife in North Carolina
Wildlife in North Carolina magazine seeks articles relating to outdoor sports, wild places, natural history and conservation in North Carolina only. Feature articles range from 2,000 to 2,400 words. Payment is as follows: feature articles, $400 and up; short articles, 30 cents per word. First North American rights are purchased. For photographs, pay is $400 for covers and $75 and up for interior shots. Complete guidelines are at http://www.ncwildlife.org/fs_search.htm. Articles are assigned up to 14 months prior to publication. Submit queries with a North Carolina focus to Margaret Martin, 1712 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1712 or margaret.martin@ncwildlife.org.
xplor Magazine
xplor focuses on venues, people and activities offered in Chattanooga, Tenn., and its surrounding cities. xplor’s tagline is “Come Out and Play,” and stories must capture a place’s essence, inspiring readers to follow your example. Open topic articles are unlimited in length. Departments (400 to 2,500 words) include sidebars. xplor is published by True North Publishing, which purchases first North American rights with payment negotiated on a per-submission basis. Mail submissions, including a short bio, photography and SASE to xplor, 735 Broad St., Ste. 708, Chatta-nooga, TN 37402. Complete guidelines are available at www.xplormag.com. For more information, contact Sheryl Montle at sheryl@truenorthcustom.com.
BOOK PUBLISHERS
Rock Spring Press
Rock Spring Press Inc., a new book publisher based in Jacksonville, Fla., seeks nonfiction manuscripts for books about travel, the world out-of-doors and nature. Authors should send a cover letter, short synopsis of the book and three sample chapters. Include an SASE or e-mail address for replies. Send submissions to Rock Spring Press Inc., 6015 Morrow St. E., Ste. 106, Jacksonville, FL 32217. Anthologies or story collections will not be considered. Direct questions to Alice Platt, 904-208-0795, alice.platt@rockspringpress.com.
Stackpole Books
Stackpole Books is accepting book queries. Describe briefly and clearly what the book is about, your target audience, what qualifies you to write the book, what competing books are on the market and how your book is different. Don’t initially send manuscript or photos and illustrations. If the book idea fits Stackpole’s program, the editor will request materials. Send queries to the appropriate editor (visit http://www.stackpolebooks.com) at Stackpole Books, 5067 Ritter Rd., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
JOBS
BassFan, Editor/Writer
BassFan seeks a part-time freelance editor/writer for cutting-edge sports and industry coverage. Candidates must be familiar with competitive bass fishing. Avid BassFan.com readership is preferred. Candidates also must be fast, accurate and good, as well as quick learners. Experience in daily news and/or sports coverage is a plus. Relocation is not required. Travel is not required beyond two to three times per year. E-mail qualifications and short note (no more than 500 words total) to editorial@bassfan.com, subject: “new hire.” BassFan is an aggressive, growing company that owns, among other properties, BassFan.com, the world’s largest fishing Web site, with 1.1 million individual users monthly.
CONTESTS
From Susan Young:
Nature's Best Backyards Photo Contest
Where People Bring Nature Closer To Home
You don’t have to travel to the farthest reaches of the planet to capture the image of a lifetime. An award-winning photo may be no further than your own backyard. Beginning April 15, 2005, the editors of NATURE'S BEST Photography magazine invite all backyard gardening and photography enthusiasts to enter our First Annual NATURE'S BEST Backyards photography competition. More than $10,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. All Category winners and Highly Honored images will be published in a special edition of NATURE'S BEST Photography magazine and may be selected to appear in traveling photo exhibits related to the competition.
RULES
Entries are judged on technical quality, composition, originality, and artistic merit. Entries can be transparencies (slides), prints (no larger than 8-10 inches in size—do not send prints in frames), or digitally captured images taken at the camera’s highest resolution (prefer RAW capture method). High-resolution scans of transparencies and/or prints may also be loaded onto a CD or DVD and submitted for first-round judging.
Each submission is limited to a total of no more than 20 images, whether they are transparencies, prints, digital files or a combination of each media format. You may submit all entries in one category or spread the submission out as you choose among any or all categories. Entries will be judged on technical quality, composition, originality, and artistic merit.
Submit all entries in a single package, with all image materials in protective packaging. Nature’s Best Publishing is not responsible for damage during shipment. For preliminary judging, digital files must be submitted in JPEG format with file size being no larger than 4 megabytes. High quality duplicate transparencies are accepted for first round judging. Each transparency mount, print, or electronic file must bear the photographer’s name, phone number, state or country of residence.
Entrants must not infringe on the rights of any other photographer, landowner or person or submit images that involve the willful harassment of wildlife or the destruction of habitat and or public/private property.
All photographs should accurately reflect the subject matter and the scene as it appeared in the viewfinder. Nothing should be added to an image, and, aside from minor dust spots, nothing should be taken away. Cropping and minor adjustments to color and contrast are acceptable. If an image is selected as a finalist, the original transparency, negative, or high-resolution electronic file maybe required prior to finalizing contest results.
Please include with each submission the following type-written information: Your complete contact information, including your email address, street address, and phone number, as well as a brief description of each image and where it was taken (including all of the camera equipment you used to capture the image, such as camera body, lens, film, flash, filters, tripod, etc., and any recorded shutter speed and aperture settings).
All entries must include a self-addressed envelope of proper size and carrying sufficient return postage. Submissions sent without sufficient return postage will not be returned. If you prefer, you can include a check with your submission, made out to Nature’s Best, for the amount of the expected return postage (and please be specific about the return method you are requesting). If you are using a courier (FedEx, etc.) for your return, please be sure to include a filled out shipping form including your courier account number or credit card number for return postage payment.
Winning images from competition submissions will be featured in upcoming Nature’s Best Photography issues and may be used for other Nature’s Best Backyards photo contest promotion including but not limited to online presentations and gallery exhibits.
CATEGORIES
WILDLIFE: Wild animals photographed in backyard habitats (no captive animals will be accepted), birds at a feeder, mammals, butterflies, insects, frogs, fish, etc.
PLANT LIFE: Flowers, trees, and other flora in their natural habitat. Please label exotic or hybrid species of plants.
WATER LIFE: Manmade or natural ponds, waterfalls, streams, and wetlands in a backyard environment.
BEST BACKYARD: Dramatic portraits and unusual perspectives of your completed landscaping/gardening project.
BEFORE AND AFTER: Dramatic changes in your backyard landscape. Need to include photographs before the project began and after the landscaping was completed.
BACKYARD FUN: People enjoying their backyards; spectacular cookouts, kids camping in the backyard, digging and planting, backyard outdoor events, special occasions, humorous shots of people in a backyard environment, etc.
SMALL YARD SPECTACULARS: Balcony gardening, town home or small area backyards.
SCHOOLYARD HABITAT: Photos from schools that have created backyard habitats. Great for student photos!
GARDENING: Portraits of backyard gardening, vegetables, flower arrangements from garden plants.
AGAINST ALL ODDS: Plants that have grown and survived under drastic conditions, such as squeezing through walls or sidewalks, popping up on a roof or in other unusual locations.
YOUTH: Photos in any category by photographers 18-years-old and younger.
CAMERA CLUB: Photos in any category from a photo club of 10 or more members. This entry can include up to 20 transparencies (just like the other categories), but we request that each camera club submit no more than three images from each participating member. In other words, we do not want to see a club represented by one photographer’s work. The entry is judged as a portfolio and selected on the overall excellence of the entire selection of images. Club members may also submit separately on their own to other categories (even the same images).
GARDEN CLUB: Photos from a garden club of 10 or more members that represent at least five backyard gardens owned by club members. Community habitat enhancement projects may also be included as a club submission.
A GARDEN COMMUNITY: For many of us, community parks and gardens are our first face-to-face experience with wildlife and landscaping. Some of today’s best shooters honed their photography skills practicing in this controlled environment. Creative shots of neighborhood parks that feature backyard habitat areas open to the public.
NOTE: Failure to comply with all of the provisions described above will lead to the disqualification of your entry.
DEADLINE: Entries are accepted between April 15-July 15, 2005. Final entries must be postmarked or emailed no later than July 15.
CONTEST ENTRY FEE: $10.00 (US)—Please send a check made out to NATURE'S BEST Backyards. One dollar from every entry fee collected will be donated to Backyard Wildlife Habitat education programs.
SEND ENTRIES TO:
Regular mail:
Nature's Best Backyards Photo Contest
PO Box 10070
McLean, Virginia 22102
Courier service:
Nature’s Best Backyards Photo Contest
11411-C Sunset Hills Road
Reston, Virginia 20190
Reference phone number: 703-467-9783
Questions? Call 703-467-9783 or e-mail Backyards@NaturesBestmagazine.com
In alliance with the National Wildlife Federation and the National Gardening Association. For questions about creating your own backyard wildlife habitat go to www.nwf.org or www.garden.org. Sponsored in part by the Hewlett-Packard Company.
Memoirs Ink Writing Contest
Memoirs Ink Writing Contest seeks original, previously unpublished, well-written personal essays, memoirs or stories that are based on autobiographical experiences. Submissions should be written in first person and fewer than 3,000 words. Entry fee is $10. Prizes are as follows: first, $1,000; second, $500 and third, $250. Submission deadline is Aug. 1, 2005, with winners announced Sept. 15. Entrants grant Memoirs Ink temporary electronic rights and electronic archiving rights. See contest information at www.memoirsink.com/docs/contest1.html. Send entries to Memoirs Ink Writing Contest, 468 N. Camden Ave., Ste. 211, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. E-mail questions to Stephanie at memoirs_ink@yahoo.com.
EVENTS
ESPN Outdoors Communication - Florida to host 2005 Games
ORLANDO, Fla. — Many of the world's most-talented outdoors athletes will converge on central Florida and Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex to compete this summer in the ESPN Great Outdoor Games presented by Dodge. Officials from ESPN Outdoors and Disney Sports Attractions announced today that the Games will be staged July 7-10, 2005, and broadcast July 13-17, 2005, on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC Sports.
"We're looking forward to our best Games ever," said Christine Godleski, Vice President and General Manager of ESPN Outdoors. "After successful events in Lake Placid, N.Y., Reno, Nev., and Madison, Wis., we've grown awareness in the Northeast, the West and the Midwest. "Now we're bringing the event to the South and Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex." Godleski summed up the Games and their new location with one sentence.
"It'll be great competition, compelling television, and we expect to draw large crowds," she said.
ESPN Outdoors considered a number of possible locations for the Great Outdoor Games and eventually selected Central Florida because it is a world-class travel destination that also offers a number of popular outdoor sports. "We are thrilled to partner with ESPN Outdoors to host the Great Outdoor Games this summer at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex," said Reggie Williams, Vice President of the Disney Sports Attractions. "As a world-class sports and recreation destination, we strive to attract new and exciting events, and the Great Outdoor Games — with everything from timber events to sporting dog competitions — will provide some of the most entertaining competitions we have ever hosted."
With the exception of the rifle and shotgun target-sport events, all of the Great Outdoor Games events will be held at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Rifle and shotgun events will be held at the Tenoroc Range in Lakeland, Fla. "The Tenoroc Range will provide a terrific backdrop for our target sports," added Godleski.
"It's rustic looking and just a short drive away from Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex."
The ESPN Great Outdoor Games is the ultimate championship for outdoor sports and in 2005 will introduce ATV skills competition to the list of disciplines showcased over the four-day event. Target sports, timber events and sporting dogs will return this summer, while fishing will not.
"We are very excited to be introducing ATV's to the Games at Disney's Wide World of Sports this summer," added Godleski. "ESPN Outdoors will continue to feature an enormous amount of fishing throughout the year with BASS, Salt Water Sundays and a variety of other platforms."
ESPN Outdoors is proud to partner with Bright House Networks in bringing the Great Outdoor Games to Central Florida.
"Bright House Networks is excited to have ESPN's Great Outdoor Games being taped within driving distance of our two largest divisions: Central Florida (Orlando) and Tampa Bay," said Kena Lewis, Group Director, Public Affairs & Communications.
"We know this program is very popular with our customers and we're pleased that many of them will have the opportunity to experience the Games live and in person."
Spread over 220 acres in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex plays host to more than 170 events each year for professional and amateur athletes in some 30 sports.
The state-of-the-art facility includes nine venues and is home to more than 40 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Championships, Atlanta Braves Spring Training, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp, the Sports Experience interactive area and the All Star Cafe sports-themed restaurant.
Since its inception in 2001, ESPN Outdoors has strived to inform and entertain anglers, hunters, campers and people of all ages who enjoy the outdoors.
ESPN Outdoors is committed to increasing awareness of outdoor activities, a direction best exemplified by daily television programming totaling nearly 1,000 hours annually on ESPN and ESPN2.
Each year, ESPN Outdoors stages more than 30 marquee events including the CITGO Bassmaster Classic and the ESPN Great Outdoor Games. ESPN Outdoors comprises BASS, the worldwide authority on bass fishing that sanctions more than 20,000 events through the BASS Federation.
ESPN Outdoors also features Bassmaster.com, ESPNOutdoors.com, a weekly outdoors show on ESPN Radio as well as a growing array of promotions and activities that deliver a clear message of conservation and ethical sportsmanship.
From Susan Young:
Birding Events in Florida
Try free, fun and enlightening online courses from NWF's Wildlife University. You'll learn about endangered wildlife, habitat and other natural resources, and how you can help protect them. Our "Creating Places for Wildlife" series teaches you sustainable gardening practices, and an "Endangered Species" series brings you up close with America's favorite wildlife including the gray wolf, Florida panther, bald eagle, sea turtle and more.
After completing Wildlife University course work, you can earn the credit you deserve! NWF partners with the College of the Humanities and Sciences Harrison Middleton University, a nationally accredited distance learning college, to offer continuing education, experiential or service learning credit. To learn more, visit www.nwf.org/wildlifeuniversity or contact Kim Hirose at hirose@nwf.org.
MEMBER NEWS
From Jan Allyn (jan@floridabooks.com):
Fellow FOWA member and avid snook fisherman George "Grif" Griffin has written a new book on the art and science of snookery and we have published it. Copies of Snook Kingdom will be arriving from the printer shortly and
we'd like to give you the opportunity to review it.
"Snook are the funnest fish that swim," says Grif--and immediately sets about turning his readers into believers. His tutorial on snook fishing includes information on tackle, lures, bait, techniques, tides, seasons, moon effects, weather and--very important--attitude! In the same vein, thinking like a snook is essential, as he explains in the chapter titled "Snook Hangouts (Habitat)". Grif follows up the how-to with the where-to, profiling 11 snooking hot spots on each coast of Florida, for a total of 22. "The Promotional Snook" reveals the reasons for the reverent devotion of snook aficionados, and "Snook Tomorrow" summarizes and emphasizes the strong conservation message sprinkled throughout other chapters.
If you think your audience would enjoy reading a review of this book, please let me know and I'll send you a copy as soon as they arrive. (Unless you tell me otherwise, I will assume that it should be sent to the snail mail address printed in the current FOWA directory.)
To reach Grif for quotes, interviews, or appearances, please send email to him at grif400@yahoo.com or call (352)542-7904.
For your information, cover art is attached to this email. Many thanks for your kind attention!
Jan Allyn, President, Great Outdoors Publishing Co., St. Petersburg, Florida, http://www.floridabooks.com
(727)525-6609
Warren Resen just enjoyed his FIRST kayaking on the Pasco county FAM tour. (The site was the new State Park in Pasco county.) He commented, "This was my first kayaking trip, and I turn 70 on my next birthday. Incredible. I'm very lucky." (And did we mention he just went SKYDIVING?!)
Photo by Susan Young
CORPORATE CORNER
Florida's Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy
We've made great progress on the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy in recent months. Links to products of the Strategy's development process are included in this e-mail and are located on the Florida's Wildlife Legacy Initiative Web site http://myfwc.com/wildlifelegacy/index.asp. We have also included a list of upcoming events in this e-mail. We welcome you to stay involved with the Strategy development process by attending these events. The purpose of these events is to provide our conservation partners and the public opportunities to comment on the Strategy. The first draft of the Strategy will be available June 5 thru a link on the Initiative Web site.
We encourage you to provide your input and help make Florida's Strategy one of the best in the nation.
Upcoming Events
On-line Virtual Workshop for Draft Strategy Comments, June 9, 7:00 p.m. EDT
(Comments on the first draft will be accepted until June 18)
The FWC is taking an exciting new approach to get public input on Florida's Wildlife Legacy Initiative. On June 9, the FWC will host a live virtual workshop on-line to provide an opportunity for review and comment on the first draft of the Strategy. The Strategy will be posted to this site and available for review June 5.
Instead of having to travel to a traditional public meeting, you'll be able to get involved from the comfort of your home or office using your computer. Participants of the virtual workshop will be able to see and hear an overview of the Strategy, interact with FWC staff through chat, Q&A and instant polling and then submit comments and suggestions on the Strategy. The presentation will last 30-40 minutes.
Join us Thursday, June 9 at 7 p.m. EDT and help build a blueprint for the future of Florida's wildlife.
Access the Initiative
http://myfwc.com/wildlifelegacy/whatshappening.html
web site to: COMING SOON
* Register - You will receive an e-mail with instructions and a login ID and password
* View a demo of the virtual workshop
* Download a Powerpoint demo of the virtual workshop
If you won't have access to a computer June 9, there are other opportunities for you to participate:
* You can visit one of FWC's five regional offices or a location in Tallahassee to view a live feed of the virtual workshop (Visit this site to find the office near you: http://myfwc.com/aboutus/regnoffc.html). An RSVP request will be posted on
http://myfwc.com/wildlifelegacy/index.asp soon.
* You can call 1-866-777-0504 (PIN: 210144) and listen to the live presentation.
* You can review a recorded version of virtual workshop on this site June 10-18.
Conservation Strategy Workshop II, June 17
The FWC is conducting a second Conservation Strategy Workshop to give scientific experts an opportunity to review and comment on the first draft of the Strategy. We will have a workshop-style format to review habitat chapters in Terrestrial, Freshwater and Marine break-out sessions. Specifically, we will request comments on the Threats, Actions, Performance Measures and Monitoring Tools sections for each habitat. Participants wishing to make general comments on the draft
Strategy, process, or habitats and species should attend the Open House June 18. An agenda will be posted in the Initiative Web site soon.
Please RSVP to Tommy Shropshire (tshropshire@bellsouth.net) of Dynamic Solutions Group by June 10.
Friday, June 17, 2005 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT
Registration 8:00-8:30
Workshop begins at 8:30
Holiday Inn Express
8310 Galbraith Road (I-75 Exit 270)
Tampa, FL
To make room reservations, call 813-910-7171 and tell them you will be attending the Florida Fish & Wildlife - Dynamic Solutions Group workshop. The room rate is $94 plus tax per night.
Conservation Strategy Open House, June 18
The FWC is conducting an open house to give stakeholders and the public an opportunity to comment on the first draft of the Strategy. We will have staff available to answer questions about the Strategy development and record your comments. Participants are welcome to attend throughout the day. An agenda will be posted in the Initiative Web site soon.
Saturday, June 18, 2005 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT (excluding lunch)
Holiday Inn Express
8310 Galbraith Road (I-75 Exit 270)
Tampa, FL
To make room reservations, call 813-910-7171 and tell them you will be attending the Florida Fish & Wildlife - Dynamic Solutions Group workshop. The room rate is $94 plus tax per night.
Conservation Strategy Web Site for Submitting Draft Comments, Starting June 5
A Web site will be available for downloading individual chapters of the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy draft. You are encouraged to download those chapters that you find of interest and provide comments by e-mail. The link to the Strategy draft and Comment Web site may be found at http://myfwc.com/wildlifelegacy/index.asp. The Comment web site for the first draft will be available until June 18.
What's Completed
* Public and FWC Staff Workshop report
http://myfwc.com/wildlifelegacy/PDF/FL-CWCSpublic-staffreport.pdf (state wide, Oct. 18 - 22, 2004): A report of the discussion at the Public and FWC Staff workshops identifying the most important issues for wildlife conservation in Florida.
* Conservation Strategy Workshop I report http://myfwc.com/wildlifelegacy/PDF/CWCSNovWorkshopReport.pdf
(Gainesville, Nov. 3 - 4, 2004): A report of the discussion and results of the Conservation Strategy Workshop I identifying the status and trend of Florida's wildlife species and their habitats.
* The Nature Conservancy Workshop Reports (Feb. - Apr. 2005) COMING SOON
Terrestrial and Freshwater Threats
Marine and Estuarine Threats
* 45 habitat categories and descriptions
http://myfwc.com/wildlifelegacy/PDF/HabitatCategories.pdf: A list and description of the habitat categories that will guide the Strategy's content.
* Species of Greatest Conservation Need
http://myfwc.com/wildlifelegacy/PDF/Final_SGCN_List_3_22_05.pdf: A list of the species of greatest conservation need identified at the Conservation Strategy Workshop I and through subsequent meetings with scientific experts.
* Florida's Approach
http://myfwc.com/wildlifelegacy/PDF/FL-CWCSApproach3_22_05.pdf: A brief bullet-point description about how Florida is addressing each of the 8 Federal requirements of the Strategy.
If you have any questions about the Strategy, please contact Christine Small, the Strategy Coordinator, at Christine.Small@MyFWC.com.
Thank you for your interest and participation.
Kate Haley
Initiative Coordinator,
Florida's Wildlife Legacy Initiative http://myfwc.com/wildlifelegacy
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Visit us at
www.myfwc.com
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