Lincoln, Neb.(Oct. 10, 2024) —The Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) presented its AIC Awards at its annual conference at Kentucky Dam Lake last month. These awards celebrate outstanding contributions across various media categories including articles, podcasts, and photography. The AIC is not just an accolade; it’s 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 also 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 is another vital category where skilled communicators share their passion for the outdoors. Photography captures breathtaking moments, celebrating the beauty of nature through a unique lens.
Adding depth to this year’s competition is the newly introduced publishing category. This evolution reflects how content continues to adapt in our digital age while honoring those who masterfully convey stories across diverse platforms. Each entry serves as an 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:
| Magazine | |||
| Hunting 3rd Place | Ken Perrotte | “Just What the Doctor Ordered” | |
| Hunting 2nd Place | Brent Frazee | “Seniors Afield” | |
| Hunting 1st Place | Paul Wait | “Waterfowl Hunting in 2050” | |
| Fishing 3rd Place | John Cleveland | “Smoke on the Water in Northern Saskatchewan” | |
| Fishing 2nd Place | Mike Gnatkowski | “The Panfish Calendar” | |
| Fishing 1st Place | Brent Frazee | “Big Bass Attack” | |
| Boat, Travel & Camping 3rd Place | Tom Berg | “Waterfalls and More in Northern Alabama” | |
| Boat, Travel & Camping 2nd Place | Donna Bush | “A Birdwatching Oasis” | |
| Boat, Travel & Camping 1st Place | Donna Bush | “Challenges” | |
| Open 3rd Place | Bryan Hendricks | “What’s Next for the Ammo Market?” | |
| Open 2nd Place | Larry Whiteley | “Real Men Do Cry” | |
| Open 1st Place | Paul Wait | “Building a Better Brood Survey” | |
| Newspaper | |||
| Hunting 3rd Place | Bryan Hendricks | “Shoot the right doe for the good of the herd” | |
| Hunting 2nd Place | Paul A. Smith | “Annual Outing yields riches to duck hunters” | |
| Hunting 1st Place | Brandon Butler | “Deer hunting offers opportunities to learn from being uncomfortable” | |
| Fishing 3rd Place | Brandon Butler | “Looking at life as a river flows” | |
| Fishing 2nd Place | Ken Perrotte | “Some see red, other gold with blue catfish” | |
| Fishing 1st Place | Paul A. Smith | “Airboat allows adventures on Green Bay’s haphazard ice” | |
| Boat, Travel & Camping 3rd Place | Brandon Butler | “Summer fun abounds at Kentucky Lake” | |
| Boat, Travel & Camping 2nd Place | Bryan Hendricks | “Elk are stars of the show for Boxley Valley Visitors” | |
| Boat, Travel & Camping 1st Place | Brandon Butler | “State parks worth the investment for health and wellness” | |
| Open 3rd Place | Paul A. Smith | “White suckers migrate up the Milwaukee River each year on spawning migrations | |
| Open 2nd Place | Roy Heilman | “Minnesota couple sharing the healing power of nature” | |
| Open 1st Place | Bryan Hendricks | “Nighttime is the right time during Arkansas’ summer” | |
| Photography | |||
| Hunting 3rd Place | Scott Mackenthun | Dad Daughter Turkey Hunt Beginning | |
| Hunting 2nd Place | Bret Amundson | Striking a Pose | |
| Hunting 1st Place | Dan Amundson | Well-Earned Rest | |
| Fishing 3rd Place | Richard Simms | Chasin’ the Sun | |
| Fishing 2nd Place | Dan Amundson | Wet, Cold, and Happy as Can Be | |
| Fishing 1st Place | Bret Amundson | Northern Pike Rattlebait | |
| Outdoor Recreation 3rd Place | Scott Mackenthun | Good Morning Vibes | |
| Outdoor Recreation 2nd Place | Ken Perrotte | Kayaking Into the Sunrise | |
| Outdoor Recreation 1st Place | Bret Amundson | Biker on Path | |
| Outdoor Scenic 3rd Place | Ken Perrotte | The Sun Sets On The Rock | |
| Outdoor Scenic 2nd Place | Bret Amundson | Rainbow Island | |
| Outdoor Scenic 1st Place | Tom Watson | Morning Sun | |
| Broadcast/Electronic Media | |||
| TV, Video, Webcast or Vlog | |||
| Hunting 3rd Place | Brandon Butler | Shiras: A Nonresident Montana Moose Hunt | |
| Hunting 2nd Place | Dan Amundson | 1956: Recreating The Legendary Waterfowl Hunt | |
| Hunting 1st Place | Bret Amundson | Raising Tiny: The Ups and Downs of Raising a Hunting Dog | |
| Fishing 3rd Place | Joe Henry | Honoring our Vets, Pay it Forward Event at Lake of the Woods | |
| Fishing 2nd Place | Bret Amundson | Hooks and Hazards | |
| Fishing 1st Place | Brandon Butler | Clean Water, Breweries and Trout in the Driftless Region of Iowa | |
| Open 3rd Place | Bret Amundson | Fall on the Marsh | |
| Open 2nd Place | Bill Sherck | Remembering the Fitz | |
| Open 1st Place | Bill Sherck | Katydid Winter Camp | |
| Radio/Podcast | |||
| Hunting 3rd Place | Bret Amundson | Wolf Management, Lawsuits, and Hunting Rights | |
| Hunting 2nd Place | Bret Amundson | Duck Hunting History in Minnesota | |
| Hunting 1st Place | Logan Metesh | No Lowballers | |
| Fishing 3rd Place | Bret Amundson | State of Sturgeon | |
| Fishing 2nd Place | Bill Sherck | The Tale of Mepps Lures | |
| Fishing 1st Place | Brandon Butler | Al Linder, Co-Founder of In-Fisherman | |
| Open 3rd Place | Dan Small | The Cicadas are Coming! | |
| Open 2nd Place | Bret Amundson | In Search of the Best Band Story in the World | |
| Open 1st Place | Dan Small | Mythical Jackalope | |
| Electronic Blog | |||
| Hunting 3rd Place | Megan Plete Postal | The Great Trail Camera Debate | |
| Hunting 2nd Place | Joe Henry | 15 Year Old bags 279lb Monster Buck During MN Youth Season | |
| Hunting 1st Place | Brent Frazee | New Hunter Learns to Thrive in the Wild | |
| Fishing 3rd Place | Brent Frazee | Missouri Angler Lands Monster Invasive Carp, Buries It | |
| Fishing 2nd Place | Capt. Richard Simms | How Micka Burkhart Broke the State Blue Catfish Record | |
| Fishing 1st Place | Larry Whiteley | A Man Called Fish | |
| Open 3rd Place | Roy Heilman | Cranes and Conservation on the Platte River | |
| Open 2nd Place | Bret Amundson | Who’s Eating those Gut piles? | |
| Open 1st Place | Larry Whiteley | The POWER in Your Hands | |
| Book | |||
| 3rd Place | Lew Freedman | The Greatest Fish Ever Caught | |
| 2nd Place | Steve Griffin | Ice Fishing, Guide to Great Technique for Catching Walleye, Pike, Perch, Trout and Panfish | |
| 1st Place | Phil Larson | A Few Memorable Days | |
| Public Speaking | |||
| 3rd Place | Patrick Kalmerton | How to Make the Most Out of Tips Up | |
| 2nd Place | Joe Henry | Pulling Spinners for Walleyes | |
| 1st Place | Scott Mackenthun | Turkey Hunting with Youth | |
| Pete Czura Best of Show Photography | Tom Watson | Morning Sun | |
| Print or Electronic Media Best of Show | Brent Frazee | New Hunter Learns to Thrive in the Wild | |
| Publishing | |||
| 3rd Place | Richard Simms | Crappie Now! September 2023 | |
| 2nd Place | Britney Booth | Covers Spring 2024 | |
| 1st Place | Kevin Paulson | Hunting Life Summer 2024 | |
For detailed information on the winning selections CLICK HERE
For more information about AGLOW and its many opportunities, visit [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, 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.