Lincoln, Neb. —The Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) presented Awards in Craft (AIC) at its annual conference in Niagara, New York last week, celebrating the organization’s 70th anniversary. 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 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 and create original authentic content. 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:
| Magazine | |||
| Hunting 3rd Place | Brent Frazee | Gone Hunting for the First Time | |
| Hunting 2nd Place | Dan Zekor | Old Boats, New Friends | |
| Hunting 1st Place | Edgar Castillo | Embracing the Suck | |
| Fishing 3rd Place | Scott Mackenthun | Into The Wild | |
| Fishing 2nd Place | John Cleveland | Do You Believe in Magic? | |
| Fishing 1st Place | Alberto Rey | Belize…Finally | |
| Boat, Travel & Camping 3rd Place | James Proffitt | Dream Boats | |
| Boat, Travel & Camping 2nd Place | Amanda Thompson | The Best RV Camping Site With Easy Access to Yellowstone National Park, According to Campers | |
| Boat, Travel & Camping 1st Place | Peter Brookes | The National Sporting Library & Museum Celebrates and Preserves America’s Field Sports | |
| Open 3rd Place | Mike Gnatkowski | The Wood Duck Revival | |
| Open 2nd Place | Cecil Cherry | Lowcountry Haints | |
| Open 1st Place | Mark LaBarbera | Buddy Knew Jake Was Dying | |
| Newspaper | |||
| Hunting 3rd Place | Paul Smith | Waupaca County deer camp a beacon of hunting traditions | |
| Hunting 2nd Place | Steve Featherstone | Baldwinsville father’s hunt for healing ends with one shot | |
| Hunting 1st Place | Roy Heilman | Partnering and Perfecting an Ancient Pursuit | |
| Fishing 3rd Place | Bill Hilts Jr. | Seneca Lakers on Rebound Delights Anglers | |
| Fishing 2nd Place | Scott Mackenthun | How fishing is helping three Minnesotans recover from addiction | |
| Fishing 1st Place | Steve Featherstone | This super-sized salmon just obliterated the state record - so why isn’t it a state record? | |
| Boat, Travel & Camping 3rd Place | Gretchen Steele | Tales from the ‘pop-up porch’ | |
| Boat, Travel & Camping 2nd Place | Paul Smith | Wake-enhanced boating is an increasingly popular form of water recreation in Wisconsin, but it has led to a divide among lake users | |
| Boat, Travel & Camping 1st Place | Steve Featherstone | Fleet 204 enjoys the Hobie way of life on Oneida Lake | |
| Open 3rd Place | Steve Featherstone | Skijoring debuts in CNY: Grab the rope and hold on | |
| Open 2nd Place | Steve Featherstone | CNY’s Big Night: Why - and how - does the salamander cross the road? | |
| Open 1st Place | Gretchen Steele | Spring migration a magical time in southern Illinois | |
| Photography | |||
| Hunting 3rd Place | Chris Ingram | Boone Blur | |
| Hunting 2nd Place | Steve Featherstone | Venison Donation: Neighbors Feeding Neighbors | |
| Hunting 1st Place | Richard Simms | Argentina at First Light | |
| Fishing 3rd Place | Dan Amundson | Once in a Lifetime Memory | |
| Fishing 2nd Place | Richard Simms | Sunrise Battle at Sea | |
| Fishing 1st Place | Bret Amundson | Dirty Bombing Lake Trout | |
| Outdoor Recreation 3rd Place | Scott Mackenthun | Orion in Camp | |
| Outdoor Recreation 2nd Place | Steve Featherstone | Ski-joring: Tug of War with a Horse | |
| Outdoor Recreation 1st Place | Scott Mackenthun | Early Morning Fog Paddling | |
| Outdoor Scenic 3rd Place | Bret Amundson | Twin Tazin Loons | |
| Outdoor Scenic 2nd Place | James Proffitt | Ice Eagle | |
| Outdoor Scenic 1st Place | Tom Berg | Palm Warbler During Spring Migration | |
| Broadcast/Electronic Media | |||
| TV, Video, Webcast or Vlog | |||
| Hunting 3rd Place | Dan Amundson | Motivational Mallards and Prairie Pothole Day | |
| Hunting 2nd Place | Bill Sherck | Hunting the Superior Hiking Trail | |
| Hunting 1st Place | Bret Amundson | Rabbit Hunting and Raptor Rehab | |
| Fishing 3rd Place | Bill Sherck | Arrow Lake Adventure | |
| Fishing 2nd Place | Bret Amundson | Along the Gunflint Trail | |
| Fishing 1st Place | Kristin Ojaniemi | Coho and Burbot on Lake Superior | |
| Open 3rd Place | Steve Featherstone | Inside the CNY raccoon sanctuary where orphaned babies find a second chance at survival | |
| Open 2nd Place | Kristin Ojaniemi | Muskrat Trapping with Kids | |
| Open 1st Place | Bret Amundson | Once in a Lifetime Waterfowl Hunt | |
| Radio/Podcast | |||
| Hunting 3rd Place | Bret Amundson | Deer Baiting Controversy in Minnesota | |
| Hunting 2nd Place | James Proffitt | Marsh Life | |
| Hunting 1st Place | Greg Thompson | The Art of Balancing Fatherhood and Outdoor Adventures | |
| Fishing 3rd Place | Bret Amundson | Improving Fishing in Minnesota | |
| Fishing 2nd Place | Jim Curcuruto | Boyd Duckett on Major League Fishing, Conservation, & the Future of Angling | |
| Fishing 1st Place | Greg Thompson | Small Starts, Big Impact - Debbie Hanson on Fishing, Guiding, and Giving Back | |
| Open 3rd Place | Edgar Castillo | Don’t Touch the Shotgun | |
| Open 2nd Place | James Proffitt | Back to the Wild | |
| Open 1st Place | Greg Thompson | Owning the Story: Building a Life in Outdoor Storytelling | |
| Electronic Blog | |||
| Hunting 3rd Place | T. Logan Metesh | More Than a Hunt: Reconnecting with My Dad in the Turkey Woods | |
| Hunting 2nd Place | Edgar Castillo | When Weddings Trump Hunting Trips | |
| Hunting 1st Place | Bret Amundson | Saskatchewan Whitetail Hunting: An Unforgettable Adventure | |
| Fishing 3rd Place | Peter Brookes | Alaska Adventure; Seven Species in Six Days | |
| Fishing 2nd Place | Dan Zekor | Answering the Call of Water | |
| Fishing 1st Place | Dan Zekor | In and Out of Place | |
| Open 3rd Place | Edgar Castillo | Wrong Bird in The Hand | |
| Open 2nd Place | Dan Zekor | Ant Hills and the Art of Preparation | |
| Open 1st Place | Kyle Wright | The Best Stuff | |
| Book | |||
| 3rd Place | Lew Freedman | Denali The Peak & The Park | |
| 2nd Place | Will Brantley | Skinning Catfish in Mary’s Kitchen | |
| 1st Place | Alberto Rey | ATLAS Historical Works & Recent Journeys of Alberto Rey | |
| Public Speaking | |||
| 1st Place | Scott Mackenthun | Targeting Walleye Under the Ice | |
| Pete Czura Best of Show Photography | Bret Amundson | Dirty Bombing Lake Trout | |
| Print or Electronic (Overall) Media Best of Show | Mark LaBarbera | Buddy Knew Jake Was Dying | |
| Publishing | |||
| 3rd Place | Chris Ingram | American Field Spring 2026 | |
| 2nd Place | Britney Booth | Covers Fall 2025 | |
| 1st Place | Chris Ingram | American Field Fall 2025 | |
For detailed information on the winning selections CLICK HERE
For more information about AGLOW and its many opportunities, contact kevin@aglowoutdoors.com or visit 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.