(Plymouth, Minn.) — Students in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Illinois who fancy themselves a prodigy in outdoors writing should take note of the Outdoor News annual Youth Writing Contest that kicks off Sept. 7, 2018.

Outdoor News, Inc., publisher of locally written fishing and hunting outdoor newspapers in seven Great Lake states, has promoted the writing contest since 1998, which encourages students in grades 6-12 to submit an outdoors-oriented essay or poem.

For students in grades 9-12, who qualify in the Senior Division, and 6-8 grade students entered in the Junior Division, the chance to win a $100 first place prize or $50 second place award is just part of the incentive to participate. Winning entries are printed in Outdoor News publications, and the winners are also presented plaque to honor their winning submissions. But this isn’t the end of their story. Winning entries in the Outdoor News contest will then be forwarded for entry into the Outdoor Writers Association of America annual writing contest. The OWAA contest offers the chance for youth writers to earn additional cash prizes and recognition.

Topics included for the Youth Writing contest encompass such outdoor adventures as hunting, camping, fishing and nature experiences.

“Each year, we receive more than 500 entries from youth across the country sharing their first hunting experiences, fishing adventures or memorable time spent in the field,” said Rob Drieslein, managing editor for Outdoor News publications and one of the judges who selects the winning entries.

Check out contest submission information for the 2018 Outdoor News Youth Writing Contest online at http://www.outdoornews.com/youthwritingcontest/

About Outdoor News, Inc.: Outdoor News provides in-depth coverage of hunting, fishing, archery, conservation and outdoor activities including analysis of state and national outdoor agencies, local lake maps and fishing reports. With regional editors, columnists and sales representatives in seven states, Outdoor News, Inc. newspapers are subscription-based. Visit www.outdoornews.com or call (800) 535-5191. For additional details, contact Evy Gebhardt at evy@outdoornews.com