The New England Outdoor Writers Association (NEOWA) is seeking submissions for their 2018 Youth Outdoor Writing Contest for young people from New England in grades 6-12.  The deadline for submitting contest entries is Feb. 15, 2018. Story topics must relate to the outdoors, including but not limited to fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, boating or nature observation. Submissions should be no more than 500 words, poetry or prose is accepted.Entries from contestants in grades 6-8 will be entered in the Junior Division; grades 9-12 will be entered in the Senior Division. Winners will receive certificates and cash prizes.  First place $150, second $100, third $50, honorable mention $25. Winners will be announced in the spring of 2018. NEOWA reserves the right to publish the winning entries in their publications and on its website. In addition, MassWildlife will publish Massachusetts winning entries in Massachusetts Wildlife magazine. NEOWA is a New England-based professional outdoor communicators organization dedicated to promoting and supporting conservation, natural resources and our outdoor heritage. Further details on the NEOWA Youth Writing Contest can be found on line atwww.neowa.org/youthwritingcontest.html.