Lincoln, Neb. (Oct. 7, 2025) —The Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) presented Awards in Craft (AIC) at its annual conference in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, last week. These awards celebrate outstanding contributions across various media categories, including articles, podcasts, and photography. AIC is not just an accolade; it is a testament to creativity and dedication within the outdoor community. As we delve into this year’s remarkable recipients, let’s recognize what makes these honors so significant for both seasoned professionals and emerging voices alike.
The Awards-in-Craft Competition shines a spotlight on excellence in various media formats. From traditional magazine and newspaper articles to the dynamic realm of online outlets, creativity knows no bounds. Podcasts and radio play a pivotal role, showcasing voices that resonate with audiences far and wide. Meanwhile, YouTube and television entries captivate viewers through visual storytelling. Public speaking highlights skilled communicators who share their passion for the outdoors. Photography captures breathtaking moments, celebrating the beauty of nature and outdoor recreation through a unique lens. Publishing recognizes excellence in producing and aesthetically displaying volumes of content in today’s modern communication times and formats. Each entry’s finalists serve as inspiration for all members of AGLOW.
“Winning an AIC award signifies more than just recognition; it showcases dedication, creativity, and passion for outdoor communication. It highlights the hard work that goes into crafting compelling narratives or captivating visuals,” said Kevin Paulson, AGLOW executive director. “These accolades inspire members to push their creative boundaries. Each win fuels ambition among peers, motivating them to elevate their craft further.”
With over 400 entries this year, the competition was fierce. AGLOW proudly recognizes the winners:
Print Categories:
Publishing
- 3rd Place – Tom Berg – The Blade (Hoosier Outdoor Newsletter) Sep-Oct, 2024 Edition
- 2nd Place – Tom Berg – The Blade (Hoosier Outdoor Newsletter) July-Aug, 2024 Edition
- 1st Place – Britney Booth – Covers Magazine (Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society) Fall 2024
Magazine
Hunting
- 3rd Place – Ken Perrotte – “Something About Sundown”
- 2nd Place – Brian Kightlinger – “Don’t Blink”
- 1st Place – Paul Wait “A Teal for Ruby”
Fishing
- 3rd Place – Roy Heilman – “At the Bend in the River”
- 2nd Place – Alberto Rey – “Around the World to Angle and Savor”
- 1st Place – Alberto Rey – “Slovenia: An Unpressured Fly Fishing Destination”
Boating, Travel & Camping
- 3rd Place – Bill Hilts, Jr. – “Port of Call: Twin Harbors”
- 2nd Place – Tom Watson – “Camping the Mighty Miss’s Backwaters Islands”
- 1st Place – Kyle Wayne Stewart – “Float, Camp, Repeat”
Open
- 3rd Place – Dan Zekor – “Proustian Moments”
- 2nd Place – Logan Metesh – “Making Model 70 Memories”
- 1st Place – Brent Frazee – “Breaking Barriers”
Newspaper
Hunting
- 3rd Place – Bill Hilts, Jr. – “The rut is a magical time for hunters, too”
- 2nd Place – Ken Perrotte – “Signs of fall and renewal in a hunter’s soul”
- 1st Place – Paul Smith – “Following Aldo Leopold’s teachings, a deer hunt on his old farm”
Fishing
- 3rd Place – Scott Mackenthun – “Bucket List Species: A memorable Florida fishing trip for Goliath Grouper”
- 2nd Place – Paul Smith – “A Wisconsin Success Story”
- 1st Place – Steve Featherstone – “They’ve got grit: Salmon River Steelhead and the anglers who love them”
Boating, Travel & Camping
- 3rd Place – Bryan Hendricks – “Camper’s Omen: Midnight ‘meteor’ caps remarkable Ozarks outing”
- 2nd Place – Ken Perrotte – “Fall waterfowl hunt is worth long road trip”
- 1st Place – Peter Brookes – “Falling for Great Falls Park”
Open
- 3rd Place – Bob Willging – “Jimmy Carter the Sportsman”
- 2nd Place – Steve Featherstone – “They’re baaaaack: Mayfly madness returns to Oneida Lake”
- 1st Place – Roy Heilman – “Capture It”
Book
- 2nd Place – Mike Joyner – “Tales from the Roost – Roost’n Time Tales”
- 1st Place – Kenneth L. Kieser – “My Life Outdoors”
Photography
Hunting
- 3rd Place – Jay Pinsky – “Happy Hounds”
- 2nd Place – Scott Mackenthun – “Morning Fog on the Duck Marsh”
- 1st Place – Bret Amundson – “Saskatchewan Meat Processor”
Fishing
- 3rd Place – Roy Heilman – “Cousins”
- 2nd Place – Dan Amundson – “All the Fixin’s”
- 1st Place – Bret Amundson – “Caught in the Act”
Outdoor Recreation
- 3rd Place – Tom Watson – “Bear Encounters of the Casual Kind”
- 2nd Place – Tom Berg – “Bird Watchers Find Common Merganser Family”
- 1st Place – Blake Tollefson – “River Float”
Outdoor Scenic
- 3rd Place – Aaron Lane – “Sunset Over Pactola Reservoir”
- 2nd Place – Dan Amundson – “Sunrise Over the Swamp”
- 1st Place – Mike Gnatkowski – “Mighty Whites”
Broadcast/Electronic Media Categories
TV, Video, Webcast, or Vlog
Hunting
- 3rd Place – Kristin Ojaniemi – “Grouse and Woodcock Hunting”
- 2nd Place – Kristin Ojaniemi – “Yooper Squirrel Derby”
- 1st Place – Bret Amundson – “Wings North and Old Dog Hunt”
Fishing
- 3rd Place – Bret Amundson – “Women Adventurers and Lake Superior Threats”
- 2nd Place – Dan Amundson – “Behind the Scenes at the Bassmaster Open”
- 1st Place – Kristin Ojaniemi – “South Shore Veterans Fishing Event”
Open
- 3rd Place – Kristin Ojaniemi – “Restoring Lake Sturgeon”
- 2nd Place – Steve Featherstone – “Salmon River Sabbatical”
- 1st Place – Bret Amundson – “Lighthouse Boats and Storing Renewable Energy”
Radio/Podcast
Hunting
- 3rd Place – Bret Amundson – “Life in Alaska with Cory Loeffler”
- 2nd Place – Logan Metesh – “Trailblazing Technology: How Dan Moultrie Revolutionized Hunting Gear”
- 1st Place – Logan Metesh – “Conservation Through the Ages”
Fishing
- 3rd Place – Kyle Agre – “Nick Kludt Talks Red River Channel Catfish”
- 2nd Place – Bret Amundson – “The 4th Annual SJR500!”
- 1st Place – Carrie Zylka – “Snook, Redfish & Trout: My Florida Inshore Slam with Capt. Jay Withers”
Open
- 3rd Place – James Proffitt – “Lake Erie Advocates”
- 2nd Place – Kyle Agre – “Bear Encounter Advice from Bernie Barringer”
- 1st Place – James Proffitt – “Biggest Week in American Birding”
Electronic Blog
Hunting
- 3rd Place – Dan Zekor – “The Great Unraveling”
- 2nd Place – Kyle Wright – “Unwanted Guest: Rattlesnake Temporarily Disrupts Successful Muzzleloader Hunt”
- 1st Place – James Proffitt – “How Ducks Unlimited Became Heroes of the Conservation Movement”
Fishing
- 3rd Place – Tom Berg – “Wildlife Watching Wednesday: The Multi-colored Striped Shiner”
- 2nd Place – Matt Breuer – “Misunderstood and Magnificent Burbot Deserve Your Respect”
- 1st Place – Dan Zekor – “Bois Brule and Other Reasons”
Open
- 3rd Place – Tom Berg – “Wildlife Watching Wednesday: The Surf Scoter, Sea Duck of the North”
- 2nd Place – Tom Watson – “Bear Encounters of a Casual Kind on Alaska’s Kodiak Island”
- 1st Place – Roy Heilman – “The Temperature of the Room: Hot and Getting Hotter”
Public Speaking
- 2nd Place – Barb Carey – “Captain Barb Carey’s Keynote Speech at the 2025 WI Governor’s Fishing Opener”
- 1st Place – Scott Mackenthun – “Canoe Fishing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness”
Peter Czura Best of Show Photography
- Bret Amundson – “Saskatchewan Meat Market”
Print or Electronic Media Best of Show
- Steve Featherstone – “They’ve got grit: Salmon River Steelhead and the anglers who love them”
For detailed information on the winning selections, CLICK HERE. For more information about AGLOW and its many opportunities, contact [email protected] or CLICK HERE.
About AGLOW:
Since the first conference in 1956, AGLOW has grown into a premier organization for outdoor content creators of all types, outdoor brands, conservation organizations, and the CVB and destinations that make our wild adventures possible. Founded as a regional organization, AGLOW has grown into a group with international impact and membership. AGLOW members come from almost 40 states and multiple Canadian provinces. AGLOW members include writers, podcasters, YouTubers, and photographers, brands from the shooting, fishing, and hunting categories, and destinations across the country. AGLOW – Regional Name, Global Impact.
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