Chronicle-Journal and Outdoors Guide writers take home awards
History of Outdoor Writers of Canada
Waterloo newspaperman Herb Smith is credited as founder of the Outdoor Writers of Canada (OWC) in 1957. With Smith as the OWC's first president, the charter membership consisted of newspaper and magazine writers, but has since grown to include authors, script writers, photographers, cinematographers, artists, illustrators, radio & television personalities, lecturers, public relations specialists, and outdoor industry contacts. The original concept behind the OWC was craft improvement, but it quickly became evident that there was a need to work closely with government, industry, organizations and private interests to educate and promote the responsible use of Canada's natural resources.
The (OWC) is an organization of individual communicators and corporate partners that promotes and recognizes high standards of craftsmanship and professional conduct among its members. The OWC provides services to members to assist them in achieving success and excellence in outdoor communications related to hunting, fishing and other traditional outdoor activities.
The Outdoor Writers of Canada strives to stimulate interest in and an appreciation of the outdoors, as well as to stimulate high standards of craftsmanship among those concerned with the portrayal of outdoor life. OWC also aims to co-operate with others in support of the responsible use(s) of Canada's natural resources.
Annual Communication Awards
This annual competition recognizes and rewards excellence in outdoor communication and promotes craft improvement. It is open to all members of the Outdoor Writers of Canada "in good standing" who submit chosen works of literary, photographic and video samples of their craft for judging in the annual awards program.
In each category the winner of the 2011 Outdoor Communication Award is listed first followed by 2 Award of Merit winners. In each category a panel of their peers selects the successful recipients of the awards.
The awards are presented annually at the Awards Banquet during the Outdoor Writers of Canada's annual conference.
2011 Chronicle-Journal and Outdoors Guide Writers Recognized
This year the Chronicle Journal and Outdoors Guide magazine are proud to recognize award winning outdoor writers James Smedley and John Kaplanis as they took home prestigious awards of merit in their respective categories at the 2011 OWC Annual Communications Awards ceremony.
James Smedley earned a well deserved 2nd place Brock McRitchie Award for his work entitled Ogoki Walleye as featured in The Outdoors Guide Magazine. The Brock McRitchie Award is presented for works depicting children learning about and/or enjoying the outdoors.
John Kaplanis also earned a 2nd place finish in the Newspaper/Internet Feature category for his story entitled First Bear Hunt Memorable For Father and Son as featured in the Chronicle Journal Newspaper weekend outdoor section.
With an impressive list of award winning and up and coming popular outdoor writers, the Chronicle Journal and The Outdoors Guide is proud of the contributions of our entire outdoor writing line up. Each is accomplished in their own right and they work very hard to give readers and advertisers the very best in written outdoor entertainment and informative “how to” advice.