Thanks to our sponsors: NSSF | Whitetails Unlimited | American Sportfishing Association
The Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers
(AGLOW) presented Awards in Craft (AIC) at its annual conference in Niagara, New
York, 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:
Below you will find the list of winners, broken down by category with links to the award-winning work online. Click to see it! If we are missing a link that you have, please send it to us and we’ll get it added here.
Congratulations to all our winners and we look forward to the 2027 Awards-In-Craft event at Lake of the Woods, Minnesota. The conference dates are September 26th – October 1st, 2027.
Overall best of Show
Mark LaBarbera: Buddy Knew Jake Was Dying
Pete Czura “Best In Show”
Bret Amundson: Dirty Bombing Lake Trout
Print Media:
Newspaper Division | Fishing
2nd: Scott Mackenthun | How Fishing is Helping Three Minnesotans Recover from Addiction
3rd: Bill Hilts Jr | Seneca Lakers on Rebound Delights Anglers
Newspaper Division | Hunting
1st: Roy Heilman | Partnering and Perfecting an Ancient Pursuit
2nd: Steve Featherstone | Baldwinsville father’s hunt for healing ends with one shot
3rd: Paul Smith | Waupaca County deer camp a beacon of hunting traditions
Newspaper Division | Boating, Travel and Camping
1st: Steve Featherstone: Fleet 204 enjoys the Hobie way of life on Oneida Lake
2nd: Paul Smith: Lake Beulah Management District takes on boating study, including wake boats
3rd: Grethen Steele: Tales from the ‘pop-up porch’
Newspaper Division | Open
1st: Gretchen Steele: Spring migration a magical time in southern Illinois
2nd: Steve Featherstone: CNY’s Big Night: Meet the volunteers who help salamanders cross the road
3rd: Steve Featherstone: Skijoring debuts in CNY
Magazine
Magazine | Fishing
1st: Alberto Rey: Belize…Finally
2nd: John Cleveland: Do You Believe in Magic
3rd: Scott Mackenthun: Into the Wild
Magazine | Hunting
1st: Edgar Castillo: Embracing the Suck
2nd: Dan Zekor: Old Boats, New Friends
3rd: Brent Frazee: Gone Hunting for the First Time
Magazine | Boat, Travel and Camping Category
1st: Peter Brookes: National Sporting Library and Museum
2nd: Amanda Thompson: The Best RV Site Yellowstone
3rd: James Proffitt: Dream Boats
Magazine | Open
1st: Mark LaBarbera: Buddy Knew Jake was Dying
2nd: Cecil Cherry: Lowcountry Haints
3rd: Mike Gnatkowski: The Wood Duck Revival
Book Division:
1st: Alberto Rey: ATLAS
2nd: Will Brantley: Skinning Catfish in Mary’s Kitching
3rd: Lew Freedman: Denali | The Peak and The Park
Publishing Division
1st: Chris Ingram: American Field Fall 2025
2nd: Britney Booth: Covers Fall 2025
3rd: Chris Ingram: American Field Spring 2026
TV/Video/Webcast/VLOG
TV | Fishing
1st: Kristin Ojaniemi: Discover the U.P. Coho and Burbot on Lake Superior
2nd: Bret Amundson: Prairie Sportsman Along the Gunflint Trail
3rd: Bill Sherck: Minnesota Bound Arrow Lake Adventure
TV | Hunting
1st: Bret Amundson: Prairie Sportsman Rabbit Hunting and Raptor Rehab
2nd: Bill Sherk: Minnesota Bound Hunting the Superior Hiking Trail
3rd: Dan Amundson: Prairie Sportsman Motivational Mallards
TV Open
1st: Bret Amundson: Fish Hunt Forever Once in the lifetime waterfowl hunt
2nd: Kristin Ojaniemi: Discover the UP Muskrat Trapping with Kids
3rd: Steve Featherstone Inside the CNY Raccoon Sanctuary
Radio/Podcast Fishing
1st: Greg Thompson: Girl Dad Outdoors Podcast.
Small Starts, Big Impact — Debbie Hanson on Fishing, Guiding, and Giving Back
2nd: Jim Curcuruto: Connecting With Conservation
3rd: Bret Amundson Fish Hunt Forever: Improving Fishing in Minnesota
Radio Podcast Hunting
1st: Greg Thompson: Girl Dad Outdoors Podcast. The Art of Balancing Fatherhood and Outdoor Adventures
2nd: James Proffitt: Lake Effect: Marsh Life
3rd: Bret Amundson Fish Hunt Forever: Deer Baiting Controversy in Minnesota
Radio Podcast Open:
1st: Greg Thompson: Girl Dad Outdoors Podcast. Owning the Story: A Life in Outdoor Storytelling
2nd: James Proffitt: Lake Effect Back to the Wild
Electronic Blog:
Fishing
1st: Dan Zekor: In and Out of Place
2nd: Dan Zekor: Answering the Call of Water
3rd: Peter Brookes: Alaska Adventure: Seven Species in Six Days
Electronic Blog: Hunting
1st: Bret Amundson: Saskatchewan Whitetail Hunting: An Unforgettable Adventure
2nd: Edgar Castillo: When Weddings Trump Hunting Trips
3rd: T. Logan Metesh: More Than A Hunt
Electronic Blog: Open
1st: Kyle Wright: The Best Stuff
2nd: Dan Zekor: Ant Hills and the Art of Preparation
3rd: Edgar Castillo: Wrong Bird in the Hand
Public Speaking
1st: Scott Mackenthun: Targeting Walleye Under the Ice
Photography:
Fishing
1st: Bret Amundson: Dirty Bombing Lake Trout
2nd: Richard Simms: Sunrise Battle at Sea
3rd: Dan Amundson: Once in a lifetime memory
Photography: Hunting
1st: Richard Simms: Argentina at First Light
2nd: Steve Featherstone: Venison Donation: Neighbors Feeding Neighbors
3rd: Chris Ingram: Boone Blur
Photography: Outdoor Rec
1st: Scott Mackenthun: Early morning Fog Paddling
2rd: Steve Featherstone: Ski-joring: Tug of war with a horse
3rd: Scott Mackenthun: Orion in Camp
Photography: Outdoor Scenic
1st: Tom Berg: Palm Warbler During Spring Migration
2nd: Jamies Proffitt: Ice Eagle
3rd: Bret Amundson: Twin Tazin Loons
Congratulations to all our winners! Good luck in 2027!
