May 7th, 2023
Lewiston, MI

Continuing a long tradition of recognizing and rewarding communicators who excel in their craft, the Michigan Outdoor Writers Association (MOWA) recently announced winners of their 2022 Excellence in Craft awards.

Cliff Ketcham Award for Best Outdoor Feature
1st Place: John Cleveland for “Wild Salmon of the Alaska Peninsula”
2nd Place: Steve Griffin for “Delight in Ice Fishing Surprises”
3rd Place: Tom Carney for “Hooked on the First Cast”

C.A. “Frenchy” Pacquin Award for News Related Articles
1st Place: Drew YoungeDyke for “Lakes on the Line”
2nd Place: Steve Griffin for “Sturgeon’s Local Comeback Continues”
3rd Place: Kyle Davidson for “Lawmakers, Activists Call for Stronger Pollution Regulations Following Huron River Chemical spill”

Harold “Opie” Titus Award for Best Book
1st Place: Allen Crater for “Outside in Shorts”
2nd Place: Mike Terrell for “On the Trails”

Charlie Welch Award for Best Photograph:
1st Place: Patrick Bevier for “Loon Flying Lessons”
2nd Place: Jacob Vanhouten for “Yooperlites”
3rd Place: Denny Geurink for “Fish On”

James A.O. Crowe Award for best Column
1st Place: Tom Huggler
2nd Place: Tom Carney
3rd Place: Steve Griffin

James H. Hall Award for Outdoor Feature – Non-Consumptive Activities
1st Place: Tom Huggler for “The Second Hunting Season”
2nd Place: Alan Campbell for “Legends of Conservation: Fred Bear”
3rd Place: Tom Carney for “Sometimes, It Pays to Listen to Your Parents”

About MOWA
Founded in 1944, MOWA is a non-profit organization comprised of outdoor communicators with a passion for communicating about nature, the environment, and outdoor recreation. MOWA’s members communicate on various outdoor subjects including hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, backpacking, the environment, education, trapping, travel, humor, natural resources, conservation, ecology, bird watching, boating, canoeing, kayaking, shooting sports and more.