Outdoors Unlimited Spring 2023 Issue Published by OWAA

SPRING 2023

PHOTO SUNSET

TIPS

Meet me at the golden hour | p. 20

&

Gulf Shores story leads, freelancing tips, board candidate profiles, fishing Saskatchewan AND MORE.

SPRING 2023

CONTENTS

p. 5 | THIS ONE THING

By Steve Griffin

p. 6 | HOW CLIMATE CHANGE AFFECTS BIRDS

By George H. Harrison

p. 8 | TIPS FOR BEGINNER FREELANCERS

By Phoebe Bright

p. 9 | THREE TIPS TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH A PODCAST

By Rick Saez

p. 10 | THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE ON THE ROAD

By Robert Annis

p. 12 | BACKCOUNTRY MEALS

By Mary Terra-Berns

p. 14 | OUTDOOR GEAR SPOTLIGHT

By Suzanne Downing

p. 16 | ASK AN EXPERT: INTERVIEW WITH RYAN WICHELNS

By Sheridan Wood

p. 18 | 10 STORY LEADS IN AND AROUND GULF SHORES, ALABAMA

By Suzanne Downing

p. 20 | MEET ME AT THE GOLDEN HOUR: PHOTO TIPS FOR SUNRISES AND SUNSETS

By Ann and Rob Simpson

p. 28 | PORTFOLIO

By Tom Watson

p. 31 | TECH TIPS: TOP 5 ITEMS FOR WILDLIFE/NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

By Noah Buchanan

p. 36 | ICE FISHING SASKATCHEWAN

By Suzanne Downing

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR p. 3

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE p. 4

BOARD CANDIDATE PROFILES p. 24

2022 ANNUAL REPORT p. 32

MEET A MEMBER p. 40

BY

ANN

AND ROB SIMPSON | A waterfowl hunter at sunrise.

Time to grow FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I’m not gonna lie, the past three years were a little rough.

I became your executive director in October of 2019, and the organization needed … well, a little boost. Actually, it needed a lot of boosts with some on the scale of, say, a Saturn V rocket booster to get moving again. But we (your staff, our board, committee members and other volunteers) got to work.

You’d be hard-pressed to find anything at OWAA that hasn’t been gutted, revised or entirely rebuilt in the past three years. The membership database, the website, our accounting systems and accountants, our bylaws and committee structures, and various internal tools and mechanisms are just some of the things we rebuilt — if not replaced entirely.

Then you smother all of those needs with a nice, fat layer of unprecedented global pandemic and well, you can imagine just how “rough” things really were at times.

But, those three years were, in my opinion, very, very well spent. Now, while we continue to look at programs that we can revise and improve (such as the Outdoor Reference Manual), much of that rebuilding is behind us. This means that we’re now well situated to step out and GROW.

We’ve been hovering around 600 members (and 100 supporting groups) for the past three years. With so much internal reconstruction behind us, we can now turn our vision outward to new member prospects, brands and agencies that can join on the corporate level and even some new programming. I’m particularly excited for new partnerships in the works that should provide new benefits and new

opportunities for members. I’m also excited about doing more dedicated outreach to member prospects, with a continued emphasis on younger storytellers and those from underrepresented communities. One possible new program will allow members to meet up at regional events. An initial mention of the concept to destinations drew serious interest from nearly 20 state and local tourism boards. It really could be a “triple win” for OWAA, the host destinations and members like you.

As we turn our focus from internal to external, we can, as always, use your help in these efforts. If you know a prospective member, please don’t hesitate to share their contact information with staff (but please share actual contact information and not just a name). Or, if you’re comfortable doing so, you could make an introduction to our team. Got a good contact at a brand that could benefit from getting in front of our 600-plus members? We’d absolutely love to connect with them too!

— With more than 20 years of experience in the outdoor and travel industries, Chesak is the 17th executive director of OWAA.

Outdoor Writers Association of America

Our mission: improve the professional skills of our members, set the highest ethical and communications standards, encourage public enjoyment and conservation of natural resources, and mentor the next generation of professional outdoor communicators.

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

2814 Brooks St., Box 442

Missoula, MT 59801 406-728-7434, Fax: 406-728-7445 info@owaa.org, owaa.org

STAFF

Executive Director: Chez Chesak

Membership Services Coordinator: Emma Mares

Publications Editor: Suzanne Downing

Copy Editor: Danielle Phillippi

PRESIDENT Katie McKalip, Montana

OFFICERS

1st Vice President: Ken Keffer, Indiana

2nd Vice President: Amy Kapp, Virginia

Secretary: Danielle Phillippi, Pennsylvania

Treasurer: Colleen Miniuk, Arizona

BOARD MEMBERS

Bill Brassard, Connecticut

Steve Griffin, Michigan

Matt Miller, Idaho

Matthew Dickerson, Vermont

Amy Grisak, Montana

Kelsey Roseth, North Dakota

Robert Annis, Indiana

Ashley Peters, Minnesota

Drew YoungeDyke, Michigan

COUNSELS

Attorney: William Jay Powell, Missouri

Medical: William W. Forgey, Indiana

Supporter Liaison: Dan Nelson, Washington

Copyright Spring 2023 by Outdoor Writers Association of America Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The contents of Outdoors Unlimited do not necessarily represent the opinion or endorsement of OWAA, its staff, officers, directors or members. Outdoors Unlimited (ISSN 0030-7181) is published bimonthly by OWAA Inc., 2814 Brooks St., Box 442, Missoula, MT 59801. Nonprofit postage paid at Missoula, MT, and additional mailing offices.

OWAA Conference: An investment that pays off

Katie McKalip OWAA President mckalip@backcountryhunters.org

The community that is OWAA has so much to offer us as individual members and communicators. One of the best and most impactful ways to experience these community benefits is by participating in an in-person event, such as our annual conference.

OWAA’s 2023 conference is taking place in Gulf Shores, Alabama, Sept. 9-11. Now is the perfect time to start making plans to attend to ensure that you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck.

If you’ve attended OWAA conferences before, you likely already appreciate the value of our community of members gathering to network, experience and learn together. If you haven’t — particularly if you joined our organization during the pandemic when many of us were scaling back our travel – you might have some questions about what our conferences have to offer, particularly when weighing the costs of plane tickets and hotel rooms against the potential gains.

Here are a few tips to make your investment in OWAA conference more than pay for itself.

Gain marketable skills and knowledge.

Want to learn about new opportunities and trending issues? Cory Lee, of Curb Free with Cory Lee, will address wheelchair-accessible travel. Amir Eylon, the president and CEO of Longwoods International, will present the state of the union on outdoor travel.

If you’ve always been intimidated by reporting on the political process, Charlie Booher of Watershed Results will unlock

secrets, techniques and tactics to effectively cover policy topics. Are you finally ready to pull the trigger and launch a podcast? Veterans Rick Saez and Howard Fox will tell you how to plan, produce and market your first one … in eight easy steps.

These are just a few of the craft improvement sessions on the agenda for Gulf Shores. Visit owaa.org and keep checking back — more confirmed speakers and workshop teachers are added each week to the conference schedule. Place-based journalism pays.

The Gulf Coast offers a wealth of story ideas. Issue-focused stories — restoration or conservation topics, birding or natural history pieces — are one route. Travel and recreation stories are another.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism is an outstanding OWAA supporting group committed to helping our members make the 2023 conference pay off. Public Relations Manager Kay Maghan and her team are invaluable resources and happy to assist in strategic trip planning. Contact her at kmaghan@alabamabeaches.com.

Have you explored the menu of preand post-conference trips? When I visited Gulf Shores for a board meeting a few years ago, I had the pleasure of spending a morning fishing with legendary Alabama guide Captain Brent “Hollywood” Shaver. He put anglers in his boat on an all-star lineup of species — and helped me land a black drum whose size also was legendary.

But conference trips offer more than just fun and adventure; they’re also a ready-made source of turnkey content. Add a day or two to your Gulf Shores visit and you, too, can increase your earning potential from this year’s gathering. Line up assignments in advance.

Initiate contact now with your go-to editors and outlets and let them know you plan to visit Gulf Shores in September. Check out the conference agenda for ideas on topics for quick-turnaround stories. Review the list of confirmed speakers for interviews, profiles and podcasts. Consider who within the OWAA membership has a publication, and pitch them on a story.

Here’s just one example: Backcountry Hunters & Anglers’ quarterly print magazine regularly publishes short place- or issue-based articles. A number of OWAA members have been featured in past issues, and we’re looking to diversify our contributor base. Contact OWAA member Zack Williams, Backcountry Journal’s editor-in-chief, at williams@ backcountryhunters.org for details and to discuss possible stories.

There is power in networking.

Some of my most valuable moments at OWAA conferences have taken place outside of meeting rooms. Informal conversations I’ve had with supporting group representatives during breakout and shooting programs and at hospitality suites have led to mutually productive and profitable connections that extend far beyond the event itself.

OWAA President Katie McKalip is the communications director at Backcountry Hunters & Anglers based in Montana.

I’m a long-time fan of OWAA’s mentoring program. Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with a veteran conference attendee who can help you maximize your experience in Gulf Shores. (And if you’re a return conference-goer, sign up as a mentor. You never know who you’ll get paired up with!)

The Gulf Shores conference will be my 18th. I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and building new relationships. Join your OWAA community in Alabama in September and let’s make the conference experience work for all of us … together.

THIS ONE THING: JUST SAY 'YES' — AND THEN DO IT

BY STEVE GRIFFIN MIDLAND, MICHIGAN

For the first decade or so of my long OWAA membership, I’d often heard stern advice calling for professionalism in its most economic sense:

Get paid for any communication work you do.

Don’t work for nothing, for the “exposure,” for the good of a worthwhile organization.

To be a pro, if there’s no dough, just say no.

Even the sternest mentor, though, might write a piece for OWAA, shoot a few photos, or put on a radio, TV or video workshop pro bono. Corner them, and they’d admit they were in fact “paid,” but in different ways.

There are strong arguments, it seems, for occasionally saying “yes.”

There are indeed many ways to be paid, with cash being an especially necessary (and satisfying) one if you’re making all or part of your living from this communications thing.

But there comes satisfaction, too, in supporting the organization, enrichment of your brand through skill-sharing and worth in helping create a healthier industry in which to work. So we take on a mentee, serve on a committee, maybe even draft a “This One Thing” article or other contribution for Outdoors Unlimited.

Through volunteer service, be it written projects or committee or board member service, I’ve made friendships that have bolstered my career and life in ways far out of proportion to the work. Yes, my dearest friends in OWAA were met in service to it.

So, say yes when asked.

But then, do it.

“This One Thing” was conceived as a series of station-wagon or restaurant-booth-style mini essays. We each know at least one thing that others would like to know; here, we share them.

Some people I’ve asked to pen “This One Thing” contributions didn’t answer. Several wrote great pieces, some more than one. Others said yes, but nothing ever happened. I know, stuff happens.

I’ve owed patient OU Editor Suzanne Downing “This One Thing” material for months. I told her my contributor well had run dry and then, when she suggested I pen another myself, I said yes — and then dropped the ball. Paying work got in the way, and family demands and viruses and stuff.

But then I remembered a couple of those times when volunteering paid off in ways beyond expectation. And I started playing with this mini essay.

So, look around your desk. Is there a “This One Thing” hiding there? Even if not, there are probably notes about a promise you made, a request you put aside, an outline of a possible project, or a request to run for office or serve on a committee.

This might be a great time to say or reaffirm a “yes,” and then do it!

Got an idea for a “This One Thing” item, 400 words or so long? Drop a note to me at michigangriff@gmail.com or OU Editor Suzanne Downing at sdowning@owaa.org.

— Steve Griffin has crafted articles and photos for state, regional and national newspapers and magazines and has authored or co-authored nine outdoor books. He has also served on committees, won awards for writing and photography, and served on the board several times — in times good for the organization and others fraught with challenges. Since his first conference in Albuquerque in 1979, he’s missed but a handful. He is also the recipient of the Ham Brown Award.

LEFT & ABOVE: OWAA President Katie McKalip and 1st Vice President Ken Keffer hold their catches during a successful day on the water during a visit to Gulf Shores in January 2020

HOW CLIMATE CHANGE AFFECTS BIRDS

BY GEORGE H. HARRISON | WASHINGTON, WISCONSIN

In October 2022, a study conducted by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology found that almost half of known bird species are declining worldwide. An earlier study in 2019 found that nearly three billion birds have disappeared from breeding populations in North America alone. Most of these losses have been seen in common bird species, such as bank swallows (98% decline) and evening grosbeaks (90% decline).

According to the 2019 study, these staggering declines are a direct result of climate change. In addition, habitat loss or degradation, such as the disappearance of grasslands from agricultural runoff, makes it even harder for bird populations to thrive.

It is estimated that climate change affects around 34% of threatened species through factors like storms and drought. As natural disasters continue to become more frequent and intense, they will pose a greater threat to biodiversity.

We know that the rise in global temperatures has caused more and more severe hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and droughts. The effect of these changes on human populations has been obvious. The effect on wildlife has been subtle, but detrimental. As the proverbial canaries in the coal mine, birds are telling us that the changes in the natural environment are affecting their survival and reproduction. “Birds are highly visible and sensitive

indicators of environmental health,” said retired conservation scientist Ken Rosenberg of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. “We know their loss signals a much wider loss of biodiversity and threats to human health and well-being.”

Migratory birds in the northern hemisphere have an internal clock that tells them when to fly north in the spring and south when daylight shortens in the fall. Our common summer birds are in the north during spring and summer because the food base is plentiful enough to reproduce young. They fly south to the subtropics and tropics in autumn as winter approaches and food in the north diminishes. Birds have instinctively known this for millions of years.

Yet, climate change has caused migratory birds to arrive in the north after the spring green-up has occurred, according to Dr. Frank La Sorte, a researcher at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. This “mismatch” may cause the birds to be forced to move farther north in the spring, where green-up is later, and food is sufficient to reproduce and raise young. In autumn, the warmer temperatures may cause some birds to remain in the north where food is sufficient, rather than make a long migration. Some species fly more than 12,000 miles roundtrip from Canada to the east Andes in Colombia.

When I was a little boy in the 1940s and 1950s, I always watched for the first American robin of the spring in our Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, backyard. It usually arrived in March. Likewise, when I visited my grandfather’s farm in Butler County in March, I hoped to see the first eastern bluebirds checking out the birdhouses on the fence posts.

Today, because of climate change, both robins and bluebirds remain in the north throughout winter, even here in Wisconsin, where I now live.

The first red-bellied woodpecker I ever saw in Wisconsin was on December 19, 1975. It was dead, lying on its back under a big white ash tree, frozen in the position it had assumed clinging to the tree bark. Now, due to climate change, red-bellied woodpeckers, originally southern birds, are

very common in Wisconsin and throughout the north. I watch them pecking at my suet feeder daily.

Other climate change studies have already established that tree swallows in the north are laying eggs about 12 days sooner than they used to. Insects also hatch out sooner, but not enough to make up for the mismatch in timing. The overall tree swallow population shows a cumulative decline of 30% between 1966 and 2019, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey.

Of the two common species of chickadees in eastern North America, the black-capped in the north and the Carolina in the south, the black-capped can tolerate colder temperatures. A study at Cornell University has shown that as temperatures have increased over the last 10 years, Carolina chickadees are occurring farther north than they used to go. Thus, climate change is affecting the distribution of these two species, and undoubtedly many others not studied yet. This is important as wildlife researchers make decisions on how to manage climate change.

In recent years, turkey vultures are remaining in the north yearround, according to Dr. La Sorte. So, too, are Carolina wrens, some western species of hummingbirds and sandhill cranes.

Another influence caused by climate change is wind. Under future climate scenarios, changing winds may make it harder for North American birds to migrate south in the autumn but easier for them to come north in the spring.

Researchers from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology came to this conclusion using data from 143 weather radar stations to estimate the altitude, density and direction birds took during spring and autumn migrations over several years. They also extracted wind data from 28 climate change projections.

“We combined these data to estimate how wind assistance is expected to change during this century under global climate change,” said lead author Dr. La Sorte. “This matters for migratory birds because they use more energy flying into headwinds. But they get a nice boost from tailwinds so they can conserve energy during flight.”

Take Puerto Rico, for instance. Two devastating hurricanes have hit the island recently. Houses, roads and infrastructure were greatly damaged or destroyed. Scientists believe that climate change is causing weather like that to be more ferocious. Think of the effect these hurricanes had on wildlife. The natural habitat that the birds depended on for food and cover was also destroyed, just when the migrants were arriving and in their greatest need. These are but a few examples of how climate change has already affected birds. The future for birds, both migratory and resident species, due to climate change, is bleak.

— George H. Harrison was an editor for National Wildlife magazines for 42 years and nature editor for Sports Afield for 25 years. He was a founding editor of Reader’s Digest’s Birds & Blooms magazine. The 14 books Harrison has authored or co-authored with his wife, Kit, include “America’s Great Outdoors” for OWAA.

"A study at Cornell University has shown that as temperatures have increased over the last 10 years, Carolina chickadees are occurring father north than they used to go. "

A black-capped chickadee clings to a branch. Photo by George H. Harrison.

ABOVE: An evening grosbeak rests on a fountain. Photo by George H. Harrison.

TIPS FOR BEGINNER

FREELANCERS

BY PHOEBE BRIGHT | WHITEFISH, MONTANA

This spring marks my one-year anniversary as a freelance outdoor journalist (which I do in addition to several other gigs). With the avalanche of just-starting-out questions fresh in my memory, here are the top five things I’ve learned over the past twelve months.

DO PRE-RESEARCH

Pre-research is always valuable. It gives you a better handle on the story and looks professional — and that’s especially true if you’re new to freelancing or haven’t worked with the editor or outlet you’re pitching before. Read up on your topic. Email your scientist and set up a 15-minute chat. Even if you haven’t sold the article yet, most researchers want to get their work out there. You can follow up with more questions once you’ve found a home for the piece.

YES, YOU NEED A NEWS PEG

I’m drawn to writing about the outdoors because of a love of nature. I could happily write about the ecosystem of the temperate interior rainforest in my corner of northwestern Montana for pages and pages. But people need a reason to click on the article now. It’s not that no one wants to read a five-page description of a hemlock-red cedar forest, but when they do, they usually seek out a book.

ASK THIS INTERVIEW QUESTION

In an interview, it’s a good idea to ask, “What do you want people to know about this topic?” This question has taken me to

LOOKING TO CONNECT?

some surprising places — and it’s genuinely interesting to learn how someone who’d devoted their career to the topic I’m writing about sees the big picture.

SET REMINDER ALARMS FOR PITCHING

I enjoy writing pitches, but sending them out is a process I haven’t yet learned to love. I know full well it’s because I don’t like rejection (who does?), but even with that knowledge, I can still drag my feet. So, I’ve learned to set reminder alarms, both to check back in with editors, and if I don’t get a response, to move on to the next outlet.

Much to my surprise, it turns out checking back in does sometimes produce a yes!

FIND A WAY TO CONNECT READERS TO THE RESEARCH

I now put either a narrative or human-focused frame around research because it gives readers something to connect with. Not everyone needs a story, but it broadens readership — and connecting more people to science and ecosystem issues is part of why I’m writing in the first place.

— Phoebe Bright is a former OWAA intern and the curriculum publications managing editor at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).

Join the OWAA members-only Facebook page at facebook.com/groups/owaamembers.

Follow OWAA on our main Facebook page and Instagram.

Attend virtual and in-person conferences to improve your craft, lead a workshop and network with other outdoor communicators.

Contribute to OWAA’s blog and Outdoors Unlimited magazine. Members contribute to OU as a way to give back and share their knowledge of their craft with other OWAA members. It’s also a great way to introduce yourself to other members and promote your work.

THREE TIPS TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH A PODCAST

BY RICK SAEZ | BISHOP, CALIFORNIA

GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH A PODCAST

USE THE POWER OF YOUR WORDS

You know when parents tell their young toddlers to use their words? It’s because the human voice is one of our strongest superpowers. You’ll say about 370 million words in your lifetime. Each with a different tone, inflection, pitch, emotion, and each resonating in a unique way with your listener.

A podcast enables you to use your words, your voice, which is much more intimate for a reader than reading a blog. Your tone sets the mood. Inflection drives passion and emotion. Pitch generates excitement. Your followers are waiting to hear from you.

IT'S ALL IN THE STORY

We all love stories ... telling and listening to them. Remember as a kid, sitting around the kitchen table after a great meal your grandmother made from scratch, waiting on the edge of your seat for Dad or Grandpa to launch into one of the family stories? Priceless.

AND TWO SIMPLE WAYS TO GET STARTED

You’ve got stories too, your own and those of others. Stories about your products, services and staff. Sharing them with your followers will create a closer connection and strengthen your position as a business leader.

REMEMBER FOLLOWERS CAN ALWAYS LISTEN

Your followers are active, like you. They get outside ... a lot. They bike, hike, climb, paddle and more. This means they’re moving and unable to read your blog post or watch your YouTube video. You know what they can do? Listen to your podcast.

TWO SIMPLE WAYS TO GET STARTED

BE A GUEST ON A PODCAST

Most podcasters who do interview-style podcasts are always looking for guests. Being a guest on a podcast is a great way to get your feet wet to see if you like it. While the host does all the work, you can also get a sense of what a host does to execute an interview conversation.

CO-HOST A PODCAST EPISODE

Another great way to get a feel for what it’s like to create a podcast is to co-host one. I’m sure by now you know a couple of people with podcasts. If not, don’t worry. Find two to three shows you like and reach out to the host about co-hosting an episode or two on your topic. Chances are they’d love to help you out, and it gives them something unique to add to their show.

— Rick Saez is the creator and host of the Outdoor Biz Podcast.

If you have a contribution (or even an idea) for the OWAA blog or Outdoors Unlimited, send an email to Suzanne Downing at sdowning@owaa.org.

Reach out to other members to network all year long. You don’t need to be at conference to reach out to your peers. Search the online member directory in the Members Area of our website. Send an email or make a phone call. Need an editor contact? Ask for a recommendation.

Reach out to OWAA supporting groups. There are more than 100 OWAA supporters like travel destinations and gear brands. Plan a press trip with one of the destinations, or reach out to one of our gear brand representatives to test a product in the field.

THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE ON THE ROAD

Ispend nearly a third of the year on the road, usually in my 2000 Roadtrek camper van. I’d like to think it’s because I’m an in-demand, award-winning outdoor travel writer, but it’s typically because my frustrated wife pushed me out the door and told me to only come back after I stop being an idiot. Unfortunately, that’s impossible, but luckily she forgives me after a week or two. A month, tops. Well, maybe two.

I’ve learned a lot of lessons over the years behind the wheel of my van, most of which other RVers are loathe to disclose. So before you buy a Sprinter and a copy of “Travels with Charley,” here’s what you need to know.

ACCEPT YOU'RE GOING TO GET WEIRD

Being on the road solo for weeks and even months at a time can get lonely. I’ve been on road trips in some fairly remote spots where I wouldn’t talk to another person for days. So I wind up talking to myself. More accurately, I begin talking to my wife, who’s usually a few thousand miles away. On more than one occasion, I’ve begun a sentence just as someone crested the trail in front of me. Not wanting to look crazy — or, more accurately, crazier — I’d pretend to be singing to myself. I’m sure if you do a Google search, you’ll find stories of terrified hikers hiding behind trees as an oblivious sasquatch ambles past, warbling “Dee, Dee, Dee, Dee” horribly off-key and to no discernable tune.

You’ll be tempted to use your solo time behind the wheel and sitting alone around a campfire constructively; picking a random subject that interests you, say the naked mole rat, and listening

BY ROBERT ANNIS | MARION, INDIANA

to every audiobook and podcast you can find. (Your local library probably has an app that allows you to download audiobooks for free.) Before long, your head will be bursting at the seams with naked mole rat facts. So much so that the next time you do interact with people, you’re likely going to want to show off your newfound knowledge, and all you’ll be able to talk about will be naked mole rats.

“Did you know the naked mole rat can use its front teeth interchangeably like a pair of chopsticks?” you’ll ask, before adding, “or that they weigh less than a penny at birth? … Wait, where are you going?”

Once again, weird.

PREPARE TO DEAL WITH SH*T ... LITERALLY

Whenever I see an RV brochure or blonde YouTuber in a jaunty hat extolling the virtues of #vanlife, they rarely give you the full poop on pooping in your vehicle. If you’re traveling with a friend or significant other, you should probably have a heart-toheart about your relationship for at least an hour before needing to use your in-vehicle facilities. “We’ve established you’re No. 1 in my heart, so please forgive me while I go No. 2.”

Wait for your vanmate to exit the vehicle, or if there’s no alternative, invest in a nice set of noise-canceling headphones to share and crack a window. Better yet, do all of them.

Some amateur vanbuilders hide their toilet in a cabinet, pulling it out as needed so they essentially poop right in the middle of their tiny studio apartment on wheels with absolutely no

Photos documenting life on the road courtesy of Robert Annis.

privacy. Not the absolute worst scenario when you’re traveling alone, but what about when you and another buddy are midway through a trip down to Pisgah to go mountain biking when the weather turns bad and you have to overnight behind a grocery store in a small town in the middle of Tennessee? You’re both sleeping when that gut feeling you had about that burrito you ordered in Kentucky comes back with a vengeance. It’s 3 a.m., it’s raining cats and dogs outside, and there’s no gas station where you could possibly make it to without a different shitstorm taking place. So you pull out the toilet and whisper to your pal, “Put your pillow over your head for the next 20 minutes and in the morning, we’ll pretend this never happened.” What then? (Yes, this a true story, and luckily, no, it didn’t happen to me.)

If you have a toilet on board your vehicle, it’s going to need to be emptied. Depending on the type of toilet, you may be able to remove a small tank and dump it into a rest area toilet or, in some cases, a trash can. For vans like mine, I have to travel to a dump station and pull out a hose that empties into a massive septic tank. Yes, it smells as good as it sounds. Nine times out of 10, you have no issues. But every now and then, the hose splits or gets loose, and you end up with some splatter on your new Merrells … or worse. I have more surgical gloves in my van than most small-town hospitals do.

As bad as these cautionary tales are,

if you ever consider buying or building your own van, never, ever forgo the toilet. It’s not too bad when you merely have to refill a Gatorade bottle, but more serious gastro-emergencies on the road are going to occur — almost always miles away from the nearest Pilot truck stop — and it’s best to be prepared. I have friends who keep an emergency bucket on hand, while others have had to aim into a plastic Walmart bag.

On a side note, if you spend any time on the road, you’ll eventually discover what a godsend truck-stop showers are. After a week boondocking in the mountains, there’s nothing better in the world than plunking down $14 at a Love’s and rediscovering what water pressure feels like in the midst of your long, hot shower. Although truck stops typically provide towels, I’d recommend bringing your own. Don’t ask why — just trust me on this one.

GET HANDY

When you’re traveling in a van that’s old enough to legally drink or rent a car on its own, know that things are going to break. I’ve had my serpentine belt snap literally in front of Mt. Rushmore, my brakes need an emergency replacement in northern Wisconsin, my sink faucet begin spurting water in the Upper Peninsula, and my toilet break in Minnesota. (Luckily not all on the same trip.) Some I could fix — I had to use an angle grinder to cut a wrench handle small enough to fit

behind the toilet — but others I couldn’t. Thank goodness for AAA memberships and small-town auto mechanics with a soft spot for hard-luck cases. When you have an old van like mine, it can be nearly impossible to get replacement items, so you have to build them yourself. I bought hundreds of dollars of tools — table saw, planer, router — so I can recreate a tambour door that probably cost less than a dollar to build originally.

OPEN YOUR WALLET

But that’s the thing — when you buy a camper van, all previous concepts of responsible money management fly out the window as you’re barreling down I-70. Whoever said “Outside is free” has never owned an RV or camper van. Once you resign yourself to spending $3.79 per gallon for a vehicle that might get 15 mpg going downhill and with a tailwind on a cross-country road trip, fiscal responsibility becomes a thing of the past. I bought my van for a steal six years ago, and it’s been stealing from me ever since. Whenever I accept a road-trip assignment, I need to mentally calculate how much I’ll likely have to spend on emergency repairs. I spent $1,000 to install a solar setup in the van soon after I bought it, then four years later installed a second setup at double the price because the first failed. I’m shuddering to think how much that replacement will eventually cost me.

But for all the headaches and hassles, there’s nothing like the freedom you feel traveling the country in an RV. Sure it has its headaches, but for all the hassles, I wouldn’t trade my Roadtrek for anything. Except maybe for a new RV with better gas mileage.

— After spending nearly a decade as a reporter for a major metropolitan newspaper, Robert Annis finally broke free of the shackles of gainful employment to become an award-winning outdoor-travel journalist. Over the years, Robert’s byline has appeared in numerous publications and websites, including National Geographic Traveler, Outside, Hemispheres and Lonely Planet. You can find examples of Robert’s work at robertannis.contently.com or check out his in-progress adventures on Instagram at @robannis.

BACKCOUNTRY MEALS

BY MARY TERRA-BERNS | COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO

RightOnTrek, the backcountry meal and trail planning plus gear-rental company based in Kalispell, Montana, has developed an extensive line of backpacking meals that are truly nutritious and provide ample quality calories to keep you energized during any outdoor pursuit. But, how do they taste? RightOnTrek asked me if I would taste-test a couple of meals and give an honest review.

I talked with Eric Boxer, the director of development and production for the meal kits division. Experiences and sustainability are his primary goals. People who value outdoor experiences and prefer sharing a cooked meal as opposed to eating food that has been soaked in a bag are the target audience.

We also talked about RightOnTrek’s industry-first, ultralight, 100% bio-based, 60% compostable packaging that can withstand traveling in a backpack under the harshest conditions. Their eco-friendly packaging was an Outdoor Retailer Innovation Award finalist at the Outdoor Retailer Snow Show last January. The packaging keeps food safe for 12-18 months and is a great fire starter once empty (I tested it).

RightOnTrek has a variety of meal choices and portion sizes (one-, two- or four-person) so check out rightontrek.com for all the options to customize your meals. Even though their Bechamel Mac and Cheese was awarded #1 rehydrated mac and cheese by Backpacker Magazine, I opted to taste-test the Banana Bread Oatmeal and Coconut Chicken Curry.

I’m a minimalist when it comes to salt and sugar intake; however, whenever I am enjoying my outdoor adventures, I’m all for an extra sugar buzz when needed and keeping my electrolytes in balance. These meals don’t go overboard on either salt or sugar.

For me, the portion sizes were just right. Directions — boil water in a pot and add package contents — for both meals were spot-on accurate, and both meals rehydrated perfectly in the time stated on the package.

True to its name, the Banana Bread Oatmeal tastes like banana bread and was hearty and satisfying. When you add the condiments (walnuts, dried fruit, powdered milk/cream), you get a creamy oatmeal with an intense vanilla background.

The Coconut Chicken Curry was delicious! Mixing in the peanut butter and sprinkling the top with cashews from the condiment bag — excellent. If you like your curry on the hot side, there is a small packet of sriracha sauce for that extra zing. My only recommendation was for a little more chicken.

The condiment bags are plastic; however, they are resealable and a convenient size to reuse, so they will come in handy for various uses on the trail.

Both the oatmeal and curry were truly delicious and satisfying. These meals were superior to other dehydrated meals I have had in the past. They are nutritious and provide ample calories for outdoor activities while keeping your backpack light and enhancing your backcountry experience.

They haven’t figured out how to dehydrate wine, but they are working on beer.

— Mary Terra-Berns is a freelance writer and editor who can’t spend enough time outside. Mary continues to search out and enjoy wild places and wildlife in the U.S. and abroad.

ABOVE: RightOnTrek meals with packaging Photos by Mary TerraBerns.

LEFT: A RightOnTrek meal ready to prepare. Photo by RightOnTrek.

RIGHT: A RightOnTrek meal goes into a boiling pot of water. Photo by RightOnTrek.

Outdoor gear spotlight EDITOR PICKS

BY SUZANNE DOWNING | ALBERTON, MONTANA

As an outdoor communicator, you probably spend a lot of time outdoors enjoying activities like hiking, fishing, hunting, camping and boating. You may also be inundated with gear ads and gear-focused content when you’re online. We all know having high-end outdoor gear or helpful outdoor gadgets on assignments is a luxury, not a necessity. But sometimes, you may fall in love with a piece of outdoor equipment or a simple gadget that makes your outdoor adventures a little easier or helps make you more comfortable when you’re in the field reporting. And you may want to cover that gear for publications and share your experience in the field with others. The outdoor gear featured in this section is gear I’ve field-tested and have come to love. I’ve also added PR contacts. The contacts listed are people I’ve had positive experiences working with, and these gear representatives are looking to connect with more outdoor writers. So, if you’re interested in field-testing any of the items in this article, or you have an assignment or gear roundup coming up that might be a good fit, send these reps a note. Reach out and start building relationships.

MPOWERD LUCI SOLAR STRING LIGHTS + DETACHABLE POWER HUB

These shatter-proof lights are impressive and give off a nice glow. And they’ll stay lit for up to 40 hours on a single charge. The detachable 4,000 mAh rechargeable battery means you can charge your phone while you enjoy your outdoor oasis. This is easily a camping favorite when you don’t want to worry about accessing electricity. (MSRP: $69.95) MPOWERD is a proud corporate sponsor of OWAA.

HILLSOUND FLEXSTEPS

If you’re an avid outdoor adventurer, you know how important it is to stay safe and steady on any terrain. Slippery, uneven surfaces can quickly turn a fun outing into one with injury. These are my favorite crampons I’ve tested in the field and my go-to for hiking and trail running. I love that they don’t slip off my shoes like other rubberized traction devices I’ve tried. They also provide a good grip on ice. And thanks to their flexible design, they’re easy to slip on and take off, and the Velcro strap gives added strength to the outer rubber. I’m a women’s size 8, and these fit on my running shoes and my hiking boots. (MSRP: $6.95)

THERM-A-REST HONCHO PONCHO DOWN

This blanket-like poncho is a game changer in chilly conditions — like sitting around a campfire on a cold night. It’s oversized, super cozy and practical. Combined with Responsible Down Standard-certified 650-Fill Nikwax® Hydrophobic Down™, it maintains its puffy warmth even in wet conditions. The oversized kangaroo pocket fits things like a phone and flashlight. (MSRP: $259.95)

THERM-A-REST NEOAIR XLITE NXT SLEEPING PAD

This sleeping pad is the ultimate ultralight air sleeping pad for year-round backcountry adventures. It’s warm and comfortable without the extra weight. The pad is three inches thick and the regular size weighs just 13 ounces. (You can choose from four size options.) It also comes with a pump sack, stuff sack and field-repair kit. (Regular size MSRP: $209.95)

PR Contact: Rebekah Conti bekah@micropowerdesign.com

PR Contact: Joshua Grassack marketing@hillsound.ca

PR Contact: Becca Katz becca@verdepr.com

LOWA RENEGADE EVO ICE GTX BOOTS

I tested these boots this winter and became quickly impressed with how warm they kept my feet. These boots are also made with GORE-TEX technology, making them waterproof and breathable to keep your feet dry and comfortable in snowy and wet conditions. The Vibram Arctic Grip outsole has great traction, too. This is a high-performing winter boot. (MSRP: $310) LOWA is a proud corporate sponsor of OWAA.

PR Contact: James Edwards james@cgprpublicrelations.com

GRAND TRUNK ROVR HANGING CHAIR

This hanging (hammock-like) chair is comfortable and easy to set up. One of my favorite things from Grand Trunk is their suspension straps, included with this chair, which make hanging things from trees super easy (and fast). You can sit upright in this chair, so it’s perfect for eating and reading. It has durable nylon and stitching and a weight capacity of 300 pounds. (MSRP: $79.95) Grand Trunk is a proud corporate sponsor of OWAA.

PR Contact: Paul Asay paul@grandtrunk.com

KUIU MESA LONG SLEEVE VENTED SNAP SHIRT

This shirt is one of my husband’s favorites (paired with the KUIU vest to the right). He loves that it’s stretchy and moisture-wicking. The fabric also has UPF 50+ sun protection and it’s breathable so he doesn't overheat. The mesh-lined back vents so it’s ideal for pack use. This one is in the Valo camo print. (MSRP: $109)

PR Contact: Andrew Piasecki kuiu@obviouslee.com

KUIU KENAI VEST

This vest is a go-to vest for my husband and great for layering. It’s super lightweight — weighing less than 10 ounces — and it’s ideal to wear hunting (with the solid color mixed with camo), for chores and for casual wear like going out to dinner here in our home state of Montana. Key benefit: The fabric regulates your core temperature with body-mapped DWR 3DeFX+® active insulation. It also has a nice stretch to it. (MSRP: $159)

PR Contact: Andrew Piasecki kuiu@obviouslee.com

ZENBIVY

CORE BED 25° + BASE MATTRESS BUNDLE

This is by far the best price I’ve seen for a quality complete camping sleep system. I’m always impressed with the quality of Zenbivy’s products and this new Core bed is right up there in comfortability. As a side sleeper, I am obsessed with the Zenbivy system because I can sleep comfortably while camping, never feeling restricted. The dry sack is also an added plus to this system. (I’ve purchased several of their dry sacks for me and my husband to take on rafting trips, and our gear always stays bone dry.) The compact air pillow has a soft pillowcase, and the down quilt is so cozy. The air mattress is easy to inflate with the inflation dry sack so you don’t need to carry an air pump. The compression caps hold the quilt, sheet and pillow nicely and make it super compact. If you’re looking to invest in a quality sleep system that will last you many years, or you have a story that this product might be a good fit for, this Core bed is a great choice. (MSRP: $484) You can also buy each piece separately.

PR Contact: Ingrid Niehaus

ingridniehauspr@gmail.com

— Suzanne Downing is a freelance writer and the publications editor for Outdoors Unlimited.

ASK AN EXPERT

BY SHERIDAN WOOD | TAYLOR, TEXAS

For Ryan Wichelns, spending time in a tiny cabin and exploring Alaska’s Talkeetna Mountains or climbing granite rocks in the Tuolumne Meadows of Wawona, California, gives him a backdrop for storytelling.

“I love backpacking, but mountains are a special thing for me. They’re where I started backpacking and spending time outside, and they’re still the feature that draws me out more than anything else,” wrote Wichelns in an Instagram post.

As editor of the school paper at the University of Rhode Island (URI), Wichelns’ love of journalism emerged. And he loved exploring the East Coast, which gave him access to landscapes other writers didn’t have. As a college student, he started writing for Backpacker magazine — a publication he still freelances for today.

In between climbing rocks, climbing ice and enjoying mountaineering adventures, Wichelns lives in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado as a full-time freelancer. His articles range from news to opinion, marketing to tips and skills, and of course, destination features and gear reviews. One Backpacker article, “Avalanches Kill. Here’s What Every Backpacker Needs to Know,” gives readers a primer in avalanche safety. Another, “The Best Hikes in the White Mountains,” is a guide to New Hampshire’s mountain terrain.

You can read his work in publications like REI’s Co-Op Journal, Outside, High Country News and Backpacker.

Q On your website, you mention that you were the editor of your college's newspaper. After graduation, how did you transition to writing for outdoor publications? Was outdoor/adventure journalism your goal while you pursued your degree?

A It was actually a fairly easy, simple transition for me. I think being the editor of the school paper there was probably the best thing I could have done for my journalism while I was in college. It was invaluable. I learned a lot more than I did in any of my classes or anything like that, but the biggest thing that I probably took away from that is that I didn’t want to get into strict news and newspaper journalism. It became pretty clear to me through that, as much as I learned and as much as I enjoyed that experience.

I realized I didn’t want to do that and took a feature writing course, which at URI was a little bit more of a magazine journalism course than straight feature writing. One of my assignments was to start sending some pitches out. And I did, to one of the editors at Backpacker. Then it went from building a relationship with them over there. I kind of found a niche in writing about East Coast backpacking where sometimes they didn’t have a ton of people pitching them ideas. I got lucky and kind of found a hole there and was addressing something that they needed, and the relationship went from there.

ABOVE: Ryan Wichelns in spring 2020, when his team trained in Montana’s Hyalite Canyon to summit Denali — North America’s tallest peak. Their goal was to reach Denali’s summit via a route that hadn’t been climbed in 25 years. The expedition was in the spring of 2021, and although the team ultimately ruled the route impassable, Wichelns wrote that he feels good about being part of a team that went to test the route and gather that information when no one else dared to.

It took me a whole lot of years after that before I was freelance writing full time. It’s a slow process to build those relationships up from there.

Q What were two of your early professional writing experiences that contributed to your success as a freelance outdoor writer today, and how do you feel they helped get you on this track?

A I definitely think writing for Backpacker was one of those things. I got pretty lucky that I was able to develop a relationship with and become good friends with one of the editors over there. I give a whole lot of credit to that and to her, in particular, for giving me a chance as a freelance writer — and not even as a freelance writer, as a junior in college who really didn’t have any clips or anything like that — and allowing me to get some work.

The other big one is tied to that, actually. That editor at Backpacker recommended me for a team that puts together a daily magazine for the Outdoor Retailer Trade Show. That was the other thing that, again, with me growing up back east, I had never had the chance to meet any of the people I was pitching [to] or working with, so going to Outdoor Retailer and meeting those people really started my networking and making connections in the outdoor industry. I attribute where I am now [to that] as well.

Q Walk me through an average week in your life. What would you say your work-to-leisure ratio is like?

A It fluctuates so much, it’s crazy. That’s kind of the game with being a freelancer — I’m not necessarily on the clock with anybody. For my own sanity, I try to keep myself as close to a 9-5 work schedule and work as close to 40 hours a week as I possibly can.

Instead of taking a Wednesday off to go for a hike, at least a couple times a year I’ll go on a bigger trip and I’ll be gone for a couple weeks. That’s the kind of flexibility that I try to give myself, so I try to keep as regular of a work schedule as I can during the week.

I think that’s the hardest thing about being a freelancer — for me — is you really have to be self-motivating. If you don’t have work, you’ve got to go find it. So that’s kind of the mentality I try to have, that if I’m not really busy, then that’s just time that I should be spending making pitches or doing research or trying to find other work or making connections — that sort of thing.

Q What is one of your favorite or most impactful stories you have written?

A A couple of years ago on a trip up to Alaska, I was hanging out in a little town called Cordova, which is a little salmon-fishing town, and you can only get there by boat or by plane. It wasn’t like a reporting trip or anything like that, but just being up there, I got talking with people about these military exercises that happen, I think it’s every two years, off the coast there. The people who live there are so dependent on the salmon fishery, there’s always a lot of concern about how this is impacting the marine life when these exercises roll around. They’re actually dropping bombs and shooting torpedos and things like that. I ended up writing a story for High Country News that looked at the impacts of these exercises.

It’s kind of unfortunate because I don’t always feel like the kind of writing that I do is incredibly impactful or important. I do a lot of writing about gear and places for backpacking, which I love doing, but every once in a while when I can do something like this that feels like

it has an actual value to people in the community, those are important for sure.

Q You seem to live a life full of travel and adventure, while also having a very successful career. What three tips do you have for people who want to travel and live adventurous lifestyles while also getting their work published?

A The big one for me is when you are home and not doing a ton of traveling, do as much work as you can.

And plan. Before I went to Alaska last year, a lot of planning was involved with me setting my budgets for my freelance income and mapping my year so that I knew I had to make this much in the first half of the year to be able to go up

to Alaska in March and have the income that I needed to survive. A lot of planning goes into that, and working really hard when you are home and on the grid.

The other big one for me on the kind of work that I do is [to] go places that you can use as work. It’s a lot easier to justify trips like that if you come back from them with something to write about, whether that’s about a place, or what happened to you while you were up there, or things like that. It’s probably more of a mental thing than anything else, but it just makes me feel a little better about having gone on these trips and taking the time away from work. I think that’s important to find trips that you can enjoy and turn into work later.

— Sheridan Wood is finishing a degree in journalism. She works as the assistant news director at KACU 89.5, the local NPR station in Abilene, Texas, and is a former OWAA intern.

ABOVE: Wichelns captured this photograph of Lauren Danilek on a climbing trip in the Talkeetna Mountains in 2019. In an Instagram post, Wichelns calls these mountains “some of the most spectacular” he’s ever explored.

I think that's the hardest thing about being a freelancer — for me — is you really have to be self-motivating.

10 STORY LEADS IN AND AROUND GULF SHORES, ALABAMA

BY SUZANNE DOWNING | ALBERTON, MONTANA

If you’re planning to attend the annual OWAA conference this September in Gulf Shores, Alabama, you could make some money during your visit by setting aside time before and/or after the conference to explore, collect story content and sell the work you produce. Here are some story leads to help you turn conference into a moneymaker.

COVER BIRDING

With so many birdwatching hotspots in and around Gulf Shores, you could create a number of articles for nature-focused publications. For example, you could create a guide to Gulf Shores for ornithology enthusiasts. Or, choose a specific species to focus on, or cover an organization working with birds in the area. Are you a wildlife photographer? Plan ahead and set aside a day or two to photograph migratory birds. Then sell those photos. The possibilities to create articles around birding are seemingly endless.

COVER POLICY

There are a variety of policy stories to cover surrounding Gulf Shores. For example, you could cover fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and what regulations are in place to protect the industry. Some online research will help you discover what policies are in place, and you could create stories around those policies.

COVER WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

You can choose from a number of wildlife species in and around Gulf Shores to cover. For example, you could write about one of the coast’s endangered species and how they are being protected. Endangered wildlife like the Alabama sturgeon, the hawksbill sea turtle and the Alabama beach mouse would all make for interesting stories. Call around for information and chat with people working to protect endangered species.

COVER SOMETHING THROUGH HISTORY

Our world and its ecosystems are constantly evolving. Choose a specific topic or niche like fishing and write a historic piece like, “The history of fishing in Gulf Shores: How the industry has changed over the years.” You could even cover the impact of tourism on Gulf Shores’ natural resources or do a history of how Gulf State Park recovered after Hurricane Sally.

COVER HIKING

If you enjoy hiking as outdoor recreation, you could find some hiking trails around Gulf Shores and create a guide article or cover the best hikes in Gulf Shores and take photographs. As you explore the area’s natural beauty on foot, think of all the creative ways you can get paid to communicate hiking.

COVER PADDLEBOARDING

Even if you’ve never paddleboarded, you could experience paddleboarding firsthand and write about it. Or, if you have a podcast, you could interview a local paddleboarding guide and go behind the scenes to see what it’s like to be a paddleboard guide in and around Gulf Shores. Think of all angles when looking for unique stories for outdoor recreation.

COVER SECRET NATURE SPOTS

You could get creative with storytelling and interview random locals in and around Gulf Shores to find out where the secret swimming holes are and where you can beat the crowds and take a dip. You could also partner with a local organization on TikTok or Instagram and take over their social media for the week with short videos. Local spots could also be featured in “off the beaten path” articles for a variety of publications online. Get creative and step out of your comfort zone.

COVER FISHING

Think of all the possible fishing coverage opportunities you have around Gulf Shores. You could go out and document your own kayak fishing experience, or interview a local fishing charter captain for a story. Or, cover a number of fishing charters for a story like, “Gulf Shores’ top fishing charters: Meet the captains who lead the way.” There are a number of photography, videography and podcast opportunities around fishing.

COVER CAMPING

If you enjoy camping, start researching in advance. Make a list of campgrounds and create an itinerary. Start pitching editors before you go so you know what they're looking for. Think of creative ways to cover camping. You could produce general articles like, “Gulf Shores’ best campgrounds: Experience the great outdoors overnight,” or cover more niche topics like, “Camping on the wild side: Exploring Gulf Shores’ backcountry campsites with a teardrop camper.”

COVER OYSTER FARMING

Oyster farming is popular in and around Gulf Shores as chefs need a constant supply of oysters to make culinary dishes for their restaurants. Those chefs often prefer to offer fresh local oysters to customers in lieu of imported ones. You could book a tour with a local oyster farm in Gulf Shores (like Admiral Shellfish Company) and experience oyster farming firsthand. See how many articles you can produce from that one tour.

To get started now and learn more about any of these opportunities, contact Kay Maghan, Public Relations Manager for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism at KMaghan@AlabamaBeaches.com.

— Suzanne Downing is a freelance journalist and the publications editor for Outdoors Unlimited.

JOIN US IN GULF SHORES, ALABAMA, TO:

Find new markets to sell your work

Attend seminars to sharpen your professional skills

Meet with America’s best in outdoor communication

Demo the latest outdoor gear

Hear from editors and industry leaders

And much, much more!

5 WAYS TO EXPLORE NATURE NEAR

Visit the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge | Located on State Highway 180 on the Fort Morgan Peninsula in Gulf Shores, the refuge is a stopover for migratory birds and animals to rest. It’s also a great place to enjoy coastal kayaking and hiking.

Ride on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail | Located in Gulf State Park, this paved trail is 25 miles long and crosses through six distinct ecosystems. Rent a bike and enjoy birding along the way as the trail crosses part of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail and the Coastal Connection National Scenic Byway.

Explore the beaches | With more than 30 miles of white-sand beaches, spanning from Fort Morgan to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, spending a day at the beach is a great way to explore nature. Check out the Gulf State Park Nature Center to find out the latest nature opportunities held on the beach. And always look closely, as dolphin sitings are common.

Visit the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve | Located in nearby Fairhope, Alabama, this 9,000acre reserve is full of protected estuarine habitats. It also has an interpretive center with indoor displays and live animals as well as extensive forested boardwalk nature trails, a native pitcher-plant bog and boat ramp.

Go birding at an Audubon Bird Sanctuary | Gulf Shores tourism experts report that this lush sanctuary on Dauphin Island consists of approximately 164 acres of maritime forest, marshes, dunes, a lake, swamp and beach. The sanctuary has multiple walking trails (some handicap accessible) that allow the avid birder miles of habitat for spotting neo-tropical migrants in the spring and fall as well as native species all year long. Dauphin Island has been named one of the top four locations in North America for viewing spring migrations, and the sanctuary has gained recognition from the National Audubon Society as “globally important.”

RESOURCE: www.gulfshores.com

Photo courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism.

GULF SHORES

MEET ME AT THE

GOLDEN HOUR

BY ANN AND ROB SIMPSON | STEPHENS CITY, VIRGINIA

Photo tips for sunrises and sunsets

Although some people like to ride off into the sunset, others prefer to slow down and enjoy the peace of an awe-inspiring one. Simply looking at a picture of a sunset can produce a sense of calm and happiness. Good preparation is the key to taking a successful sunrise or sunset image.

Check your local sunrise and sunset times

To determine sunrise/sunset times, check your local weather forecast or download an app simply by searching for “sunrise sunset times” in your app store. There are even apps that track the position of the sun, such as “Sun Tracker,” to help you scout out different locations for your photo shoot. Other useful apps include “Golden Hour” and “Magic Hour” to help you determine when the sky is often warmer and softer. This “magic” or “golden” hour occurs when the sun is between six degrees below or six degrees above the horizon.

Arrive early and stay late

Plan to arrive at your destination at least 30 to 60 minutes before sunrise or sunset to allow plenty of time to find a good spot and prepare for the event. Plan on staying after the sun sets, as that is often when the most spectacular views appear.

Use a wide-angle lens

Although there are many lens options for taking landscape photos like sunrises or sunsets, most photographers will reach for their wide-angle lenses. The workhorses of landscape photographers, wide-angle lenses allow you to capture sweeping vistas and captivating scenics. Examples of wide-angles include 24mm and 35mm lenses plus the highly versatile zooms, such as 14-35mm, 16-35mm, and 24-105mm. These are loved by photographers for taking calendar-quality shots. Small zoom lenses such as 24-105mm can be a great option for travel photography when the added weight of packing several lenses is prohibitive.

Continued on page 22

BACKGROUND IMAGE: A wide-angle image of The Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

LEFT: A wide-angle lens image of the boardwalk at The Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

BELOW: Behind the scenes photographing the sky at The Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama, using a tripod.

Try a variety of settings

Camera settings will vary depending on many factors relating to the sun conditions and your lens choices, but the idea is to set the f-stop at f/11 or higher for extended depth of field. To avoid grainy pictures, set the ISO low to about 100 or 200. Set your camera mode on Av or A so you control the f-stop.

If your camera is struggling with focusing in the dimming light, you may have to switch the lens focus from auto to manual and focus manually.

Focus using the back screen

Be aware that looking through the viewfinder at the sun can wreak havoc with your eyes, so instead, use the back screen to focus if your camera has one.

Avoid long exposures

The sun may also damage the sensor in your camera, so avoid long exposures.

Use a tripod

As a result of these shutter speeds, a tripod is essential for sharp images. If you don’t have a tripod, make sure to brace your camera against something to avoid blur, or you can increase the ISO.

Place something in the foreground

Compositionally, including something in the foreground anchors the image and adds depth of field.

Remember the rule of thirds

Don’t forget to use the rule of thirds and make sure your horizon is straight.

— As professional photographers and authors, Ann and Rob Simpson are noted natural history experts and have spent years involved with research and interpretation in the national parks and other natural areas of the world. Both biologists and educators, the Simpsons have written numerous books on national parks and wildlife that promote wise and proper use of natural habitats and environmental stewardship.

ABOVE

BELOW

LEFT: A silhouette of windmills at sunset.

LEFT: Scenic view of a sunrise with purple wildflowers in the foreground.

RIGHT: A lake at sunset.

FAR RIGHT: Joshua tree silhouettes at sunset.

BELOW: Wildlife on a lake at sunset.

All photos by Ann and Rob Simpson.

Board candidate profiles

Six OWAA members are running for three seats on OWAA’s Board of Directors. The candidates, listed alphabetically below, answered four questions approved by OWAA’s board nominating committee. Their responses have not been edited and are presented here as they were submitted.

Cast your vote! All active, senior active and life members are encouraged to vote by May 31, 2023. Members received an email in April 2023 with a link to the online ballot. Winners will be announced in Outdoors Unlimited and on the OWAA website. New board members will start their three-year term at the summer board meeting.

TONY BONAVIST

RESIDENCE: Hurley, New York YEARS OF OWAA MEMBERSHIP: 6

1. What are your qualifications to serve on the OWAA Board of Directors and what do you hope to achieve if elected? how?

I have a degree in aquatic biology from the University of Montana, and after graduation, worked for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for over 25 years. During that time period, I served as fisheries biologist, and later as Regional Supervisor of Natural Resource, in one of the field offices. In 1980 I transferred to the Central Office where I served as Federal Aid Coordinator for the Bureau of Fisheries, Dingell-Johnson Act. After that, I was assigned to manage the day to day operations of the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s administration unit, which ran on a fifty million dollar state budget. So I have expertise in the field of fisheries biology along with the management of large numbers of people and fiscal resources.

As a side and on weekends, I worked as an instructor at the Joan and Lee Wulff of Fly Fishing for eleven years.Based on my background in biology, management and instructing, I bring a unique combination of talents, some of which should be most useful to the OWAA.

If elected to the Board of Directors, I would put these skills to, work in whatever capacity necessary to achieve the goals and objectives of the OWAA.

2. As our industry continues to change, what do you see as the priorities of OWAA to best serve our members? Continue to provide updated and accurate information, and guidelines for people working in the field or preparing to enter the field of outdoor writing.

3. Reaching new members and retaining existing ones are critically important to the future of OWAA. What are ways we can reach new people, even along the edge of traditional outdoor topics? And what can we do to make sure OWAA is valuable to existing members? From what I’ve observed since I’ve been a member of the OWAA, staff is doing a pretty good job of getting its message out to existing members. If the goal is to recruit new members, then other strategies and techniques need to be implemented to reach potential candidates. While I know advertising is costly, other venues need to be examined to promote the organization. While circulation is fairly small, organizations like Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops, Orvis, Patagonia along with hunting, hiking, and other outdoor magazines, including the outdoor magazines published by State and Federal, fish and wildlife agencies, need to be checked. Almost all them are looking for advertisers. And of course there is the internet and all the possibilities there.

4. OWAA’s annual conference is the highlight of the year as a chance for many of us to spend time together in person, along with meeting industry experts. What can we do to improve upon it? I’ve never attended the annual meeting, so have little knowledge of the proceeding, other than what I’ve read in the magazine. Perhaps having that meeting in a central

location, to minimize travel, for members.

SHARON BRODIN

RESIDENCE: Ham Lake, Minnesota YEARS OF OWAA MEMBERSHIP: 5

1. What are your qualifications to serve on the OWAA Board of Directors and what do you hope to achieve if elected? how?

I just finished two 3-year terms as a Board member of a small wilderness camp in my home state of Minnesota. During my second term I served as Board Secretary. That experience gave me a taste of what it’s like behind-the-scenes of one type of outdoor non-profit. I come to OWAA from a business/marketing/ blogging perspective, which, I’ve learned, is quite different from many other members.

Rather than journalism training, my training and work is in SEO, blogs, email newsletters, website copy and other content that organizations (including those in the outdoor industry) rely on to be found online, connect with their audience and sell their products or services.

My current work is both with my own outdoor blogs, a self-published book with companion products, and as the primary blogger for an internationall paddle company. I love connecting with small outdoor businesses and independent outdoor professionals and hobbyists, which I get to do often through my work.

If elected to the Board, one goal would be to help OWAA continue to build its training, resources and networking for

members who work in these areas of “new media” or who would like to. I also feel very strongly about supporting families in raising their kids to love and use the outdoors. In getting people outside more often, and encouraging non-outdoorsy people to try outdoorsy things. Outdoor experiences are some of the most transforming of peoples’ lives, and I’d love to explore ways OWAA can enhance that.

2. As our industry continues to change, what do you see as the priorities of OWAA to best serve our members? What’s helped me the most professionally with OWAA has been access to video workshops on various topics of interest and work, and the Conference — which I finally attended in 2022. I love that it’s the members themselves who teach their expertise to other members in both these venues.

I’d like to see OWAA continue to prioritize this practice for the benefit of all. As our culture gets more and more divisive, it’s a bigger challenge for OWAA to welcome and give voice to all the opinions and convictions across the outdoor industry. OWAA leadership has been working hard to do this well, and this will need to continue to be a priority moving ahead.

3. Reaching new members and retaining existing ones are critically important to the future of OWAA. What are ways we can reach new people, even along the edge of traditional outdoor topics? And what can we do to make sure OWAA is valuable to existing members? We can reach new people by reaching into outdoor niches OWAA hasn’t explored yet (at least not that I’ve seen). For example, the world of summer camps for kids, and organizations that use wilderness adventure in their youth programming. Park & Rec departments of cities, counties and states. All of these entities have communicators on their payroll.

The Mentoring Program, I hope, will become a well-used benefit of OWAA. Oneon-one or one-on-a-handful adds another dimension beyond what conferences and online workshops can do. Both mentor and mentee receive value from these relationships. I’d love to see this program grow and mature.

4. OWAA’s annual conference is the highlight of the year as a chance for many of us to spend time together in person, along with meeting industry experts. What can we do to improve upon it? I’ve been to a total of ONE conference so far, so I only have that one to go by — and it was a hugely positive experience for me (2022 in Casper, WY).

One thing I would’ve liked to have seen was the before-and-after offerings firmed up further ahead of time. I had already finalized my travel plans before knowing about many of them. (Maybe that’s not possible, but if we have to buy a plane ticket 3-4 months in advance, it’d be great to have those events finalized about 3-4 months in advance, too.) I may have more ideas once I have more conference experience!

LOUIS DZIERZAK

RESIDENCE: Richfield, Minnesota YEARS OF OWAA MEMBERSHIP: 7

1. What are your qualifications to serve on the OWAA Board of Directors and what do you hope to achieve if elected? how? Since 1997, I have worked as a full-time freelance writer focusing on the business side of outdoor recreation. A Member of Outdoor Writers Association of America since 2014, I’m also a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists, and the American Society of Authors and Journalists.

Experience includes serving as managing editor of Outdoor Business, Outdoor Insight and Running Insight trade publications. Served as contributing writer for London-based Gun Trade World and Tackle Trade World. I've published hundreds of articles on product design innovations, company and executive profiles, specialty retail trends, environmental sustainability initiatives, and four-season recreation activities.

On the consumer side, my publishing resume includes titles like Adventure Journal, Motiv Running, Gear Junkie, Silent

Sports, Paddler, Canoe & Kayak, Running Times, Trail Runner, Backpacker, Cross Country Skier and Scientific American. A 2018 article in Scientific American earned an Excellence in Craft award.

As journalism has evolved, I’ve mastered new ways to tell stories. As managing editor of RootsRated, a start-up online resource for outdoor recreation, I created a content strategy that grew from an idea on a napkin to 500,000 monthly page views before the company changed its business model.

In addition to freelance assignments, I’m the editor of the two-volume Boundary Waters Canoe Area guidebook. Currently writing a book about invasive carp for the University of Minnesota Press. Finally, I’ve served as a judge for the National Outdoor Book Awards since 2019. Previous nonprofit board experience with Woodlake Nature Center in Richfield, MN and the Twin Cities Marathon.

2. As our industry continues to change, what do you see as the priorities of OWAA to best serve our members? The OWAA membership is diverse and varied in professional experience. The organization's services should reflect the career status of different member segments and disciplines. New members starting their careers need different tools and support compared to a veteran journalist embracing new technologies and tools such as podcasting and blogs. Photographers, videographers, documentary filmmakers, illustrators and artists need the same commitment and service offerings as traditional print journalists.

Current OWAA leadership has created valuable outreach tools and opportunities, such as the Facebook group. In serving members at different career stages, the OWAA instills a sense of community, and professional development and increases word-of-mouth invitations to potential new members.

The current OWAA staff has created a vibrant, inviting community. I’d like the opportunity to work with other board members to create more tools for collaboration. Reaching new members and retaining existing ones are critically important to the future of OWAA.

3. Reaching new members and retaining existing ones are critically important to the future of OWAA. What are ways we can reach new people, even along the edge of traditional outdoor topics? And what can we do to make sure OWAA is valuable to existing members? The most effective way to retain current members is to instill a sense of value received for dues and involvement. Members who feel supported will become the organization’s most vocal champions in recruiting new members.

The definition of outdoor recreation is evolving. Some traditional activities important to OWAA members are declining and outdoor enthusiasts are discovering new pursuits. The OWAA can partner with other organizations serving journalists with similar interests. The OWAA’s affordable membership fees may motivate journalists in related industries to join our community. In addition to inviting members of the following organizations to join OWAA, we can also learn from their service offerings and create tools for our members. American Society of Journalists and Authors, Society of Environmental Journalists, Adventure Travel Trade Association, National Association of Science Writers and North American Snowsports Journalists Association.

4. OWAA’s annual conference is the highlight of the year as a chance for many of us to spend time together in person, along with meeting industry experts. What can we do to improve upon it? Registration fees, travel and lodging expenses can impose financial obstacles for some members. The conference programming offerings should create a “can’t miss this event” reaction from members considering attending. Every programming topic should be evaluated on the value delivered to members.

Conference planning may require more time commitment from volunteers to build a list of industry-leading speakers, presenters and exhibitors. Similar to day-to-day service offerings, annual conference programming can celebrate the diversity and variety of membership disciplines. When members head home after the conference’s closing session, the takeaway “I learned so much” is the true measure of success.

CHRIS PAPARO

RESIDENCE: Calverton, New York YEARS OF OWAA MEMBERSHIP: 9

1. What are your qualifications to serve on the OWAA Board of Directors and what do you hope to achieve if elected? how? I am currently serving my 3rd term as president of the New York State Outdoor Writers Association. I have been on the board (NYS Assembly appointee) for a small grants program (New York State Marine and Coastal District License Plate) for the last 15 years. If elected, I hope to assist the board in growing our membership and to continue to make OWAA a respected force in the outdoor community.

2. As our industry continues to change, what do you see as the priorities of OWAA to best serve our members? To keep up with the changing world of outdoor communications, OWAA needs to make sure our members fully understand new forms of digital media (Blogs, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, etc.) and how to be successful and make money on these platforms.

3. Reaching new members and retaining existing ones are critically important to the future of OWAA. What are ways we can reach new people, even along the edge of traditional outdoor topics? And what can we do to make sure OWAA is valuable to existing members? There are many people who are making a good living through digital media. We need to embrace these new forms of outdoor communication and welcome them into OWAA. These new communicators will not only benefit from the networking that takes place within OWAA, they can help existing members by sharing their experiences through craft improvement workshops.

4. OWAA’s annual conference is the highlight of the year as a chance for many of us to spend time together in person, along with meeting industry experts. What can we do to improve upon it? Having only attended one conference (Jay Peak), I do not have much to say about improving them. I thought it was amazing! However, I will say that the most valuable experiences I had at the conference was the social time spent after the seminars/ lectures. During those times I was able to make many connections that later paid off when I got home.

JILL ROHRBACH

RESIDENCE: Fayetteville, Arkansas YEARS OF OWAA MEMBERSHIP: 7

1. What are your qualifications to serve on the OWAA Board of Directors and what do you hope to achieve if elected? how? My experience includes 10 years as a newspaper reporter at a regional paper before taking my current position as a travel writer for the Arkansas Tourism Department. Fishing, hiking, rock climbing and other outdoor pursuits are some of my favorite stories to write about Arkansas. I also freelance and have been published in an airline magazine, online publications such as Matador Network, websites for cities, and regional magazines and newspapers. Currently, I am writing a guidebook about my city.

My career has led me down the path of traditional media and newer content creation for websites and social channels. I served on the board of my regional Trout Unlimited chapter and helped put together a national TU conference that took place in my area. I assisted with logistics for the OWAA conference when it was held in Arkansas, just before Covid. I am a former SEOPA board member.

I hope to contribute to the organization's ongoing success at a time when the industry continues to change.

2. As our industry continues to change, what do you see as the priorities of OWAA to best serve our members? We need to continue to embrace traditional and digital media. Helping members connect with publications/editors and digital outlets to find work in this changing industry should be a priority. We should expand our look at some of the digital opportunities. For example, many cities are looking for writers that can write website pieces about their town - from outdoor stories about mountain biking to breweries, popular events and more. Video and photography are needed too.

3. What are ways we can reach new people, even along the edge of traditional outdoor topics? And what can we do to make sure OWAA is valuable to existing members? I think OWAA does a great job of staying valuable to existing members from its job listings in the emails to a conference full of skill-building opportunities and fellowship. Partnerships like the one with Ireland are impressive too.

To reach new people, we have to meet them where they are. Each conference destination gives us an opportunity to do that. I think if we can get people to come to the conference, they will be more likely to join and stay with the group. Perhaps we could do big campaigns to reach writers, bloggers and content creators in the state/ region for each conference. It would be less costly for them to travel to the conference, which might make them more willing to register. We could consider letting them attend once (at regular cost) before requiring membership. Their name tags could reflect the non-membership so that members could recognize them and talk to them about why they should join.

Also, asking each member to reach out to one person each year would be worth a try. A form letter could be sent for members to use as is or to personalize further. It could be reaching out to someone you know personally or to someone whose work you have just come across that would be good for membership.

ASHLEY STIMPSON

RESIDENCE: Columbia, Maryland

YEARS OF OWAA MEMBERSHIP: 5

1. What are your qualifications to serve on the OWAA Board of Directors and what do you hope to achieve if elected? how? I have been a member of OWAA for five years and have served on the development committee for three, first as a member and now as the co-chair (along with Rich Patterson). I’ve also taken part in the mentorship program as a mentor for a fellow journalist getting her start. After about six years in the full-time freelance game, I guess I can call myself a veteran, or at least someone who keenly understands the challenges and rewards (but mostly the challenges) of a career in media. I’ve written for WIRED, Nat Geo, Popular Mechanics, Field & Stream, and lots of other outlets, mostly about wildlife, conservation, or outdoor adventure.

I want to make sure OWAA continues to offer its members what has made it so valuable for me: story ideas, a chance to serve my colleagues in the industry, and an avenue for meaningful connections. To do that, I would like to support the organization as it continues the ambitious work it’s been doing recently with online conferences, webinars, press trips, and a newly launched blog — offering more and more ways for its members to enhance their work and enrich their working lives.

2. As our industry continues to change, what do you see as the priorities of OWAA to best serve our members? At its most basic, the organization should provide an opportunity for members to do one of two things (ideally both): improve their craft or find new ways to make money. Since I’ve been a member, I’ve seen OWAA institute a number of features to accomplish these goals — from weekly emails with job listings to conference workshops specifically designed to hone craft. My hope is to continue to find new and innovative ways to help our members do and find better work.

3. What are ways we can reach new people, even along the edge of traditional outdoor topics? And what can we do to make sure OWAA is valuable to existing members? There are lots of organizations for journalists out there — I belong to a couple other than OWAA; I’m sure many members belong to other professional organizations as well, whether regional versions of OWAA, or groups dedicated to specific forms of media. Other members work at nonprofits or companies with lots of colleagues. Freelancers work with plenty of editors. I think if we endeavored our membership (through an official campaign or just sporadically throughout the year) to reach out to just a handful of the people they work with and encourage them to join OWAA, we could expand our rolls in no time.

Otherwise, Chez and the membership committee do a great job of recruiting new folks. At the past few conferences I’ve been so heartened to see all the young people in the room, including those that work in newer or nontraditional formats like personality-driven social media.

4. OWAA’s annual conference is the highlight of the year as a chance for many of us to spend time together in person, along with meeting industry experts. What can we do to improve upon it? Conferences are the best part of being in OWAA! I’d love to see the organization continue to invite a diverse group of speakers and panelists, as well as create a diversity travel fellowship to make sure writers and photographers from underrepresented communities can also join us. I’d also like to see more panels for the non-consumptive communicators among us: more scientists, more scholars, more activists fighting the good fight out there. Additionally, I’d be glad to see more attendees take advantage of conference mentors; I was matched with one my first year (shout out to Christine Peterson!) and it made all the difference for me — a classic introvert.

TOM WATSON | SWIFT, MINNESOTA

Tom Watson is a freelance writer, specializing in sea kayaking and other outdoor pursuits. He’s been an OWAA member since 1988 and is a 2013 recipient of OWAA’s President’s Choice Award. He is also a 2018 recipient of AGLOW’s Pete Cruza Award for Best of Show Photography. His photography is an integral component of all of his published articles in magazines and blogs.

LEFT: Kodiak’s inshore rock outcroppings always provide a scenic North Pacific backdrop to a variety of kayaking activities.

RIGHT: Kayaks and canoes at a kayak symposium on Sanibel Island, backdropped by a Florida Gulf Coast sunset.

ABOVE: Photography helps capture and showcase the artistry of native kayak construction techniques.

I needed to enhance the full moon in order to truly capture the essences of this moment kayaking in the Kodiak evening moon glow.

ABOVE: Shooting from a bobbing kayak had its challenges, but calm waters and a steady hand often make for publishable photos, like this cover shot of a lake on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula for Sea Kayaker.

PORTFOLIO

The tranquil, almost surreal horizons and sunsets provide ever-changing portraits of the Pacific Ocean at its calmest.

The calming Pacific Ocean, sometimes tempestuous, oftentimes tranquil — but always with a captivating expression for the camera.

Swollen prairie rivers and lakes draw land and marine life together in many forms, always assuring a memorable photo from many different aspects.

TOP 5 ITEMS FOR WILDLIFE/NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY TECH TIPS

BY NOAH BUCHANAN HUNT’S PHOTO AND VIDEO

Skimmer Ground Pod

This is an invaluable piece of equipment if you’re looking to photograph shorebirds and get eye level. The Skimmer is essentially a hard plastic dish with a tripod attachment to slide around on the ground/sand so you can get closer to your subject without spooking them.

GKJr. Katana Junior Gimbal Head

There are many options to choose from on the market, but a personal favorite of mine is the PMG GKJr. Katana Junior Gimbal Head. This head is made here in

the U.S. and has some of the smoothest action of any gimbal I have used.

Magmod Magbeam Wildlife Flash Modifier Kit

For those photographers using flash or wanting to try it for wildlife, you need to pick up one of these to intensify the distance your flash will travel.

BlackRapid Sling Strap

When carrying long lenses, the neck strap that comes with your camera can really start to dig into your neck. Getting a crossbody sling strap like BlackRapid’s will take that weight and spread it across your torso.

Fast Memory Cards

Being able to keep up with the burst rate of your camera is crucial. You do not want your buffer to fill up and not be able to shoot and end up missing the shot you were going for.

If you are interested in any of the products mentioned here, please send me an email at nbuchanan@huntsphoto.com. If you are in the market for anything else, please also reach out for a custom quote for all OWAA members!

— Noah Buchanan is an outside sales developer with Hunt’s Photo & Video.

ANNUAL REPORT

Mission

The Outdoor Writers Association of America:

• Improves the professional skills of our members

• Sets the highest ethical and communications standards

• Encourages public enjoyment and conservation of natural resources, and

• Mentors the next generation of professional outdoor communicators

Board of Directors

Officers

Katie McKalip, President and Board Chair

Ken Keffer, First Vice President and President-Elect

Amy Kapp, Second Vice President

Danielle Phillippi, Secretary (through 2025)

Colleen Miniuk, Treasurer (through 2023)

Directors

Terms expiring in 2023 Terms expiring in 2024

Bill Brassard Matthew Dickerson

Steve Griffin Amy Grisak

Matt Miller Kelsey Roseth

Terms expiring in 2025

Robert Annis

Ashley Peters

Drew YoungeDyke

Counsels

William Jay Powell, Legal Counsel

William W. Forgey, M.D., Medical Counsel

Dan Nelson, Supporting Group Liaison

Endowment Trustees

Endowment funds are accepted, managed and disbursed by the Endowment Trust. OWAA has five Trustees: the OWAA Treasurer and four people selected by the OWAA Board.

Colleen Miniuk (Chair) Dennis Scharadin (2025)

Phil Bloom (2023) Lisa Ballard (2026)

Terry Brady (2024)

Board Meetings in 2022

Regular monthly calls were held via Zoom and one in-person meeting was held adjacent to conference in Casper, Wyoming

Staff

Chez Chesak, Executive Director

Suzanne Downing, Communications Manager and Outdoors Unlimited Publications Editor

Emma Mares, Membership Services Coordinator

Danielle Phillippi, Copy Editor

Accomplishments

The board, volunteers and staff worked in unison to achieve the following milestones in 2022.

Events Conference

The organization convened in-person conference in Casper, Wyoming. We welcomed 175 attendees, including:

• 84 individual members (media)

• 29 not-yet-members (media)

• 34 supporting groups

• 12 guests

• 10 key supporting groups

• 6 staff

The most popular events were, in order:

• Welcome Dinner with CJ Box, sponsored by Visit Casper

• Meet the Editors, sponsored by Roadpass Pro

• Excellence in Craft (EIC) Awards Dinner, sponsored by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

• Honorary Awards Banquet, sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management

42 brands, organizations and agencies sponsored the event and/or exhibited, including these major sponsors:

• Bureau of Land Management

• Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

• National Shooting Sports Foundation

• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

• Roadpass Pro

• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

• Toyota

• Various Wyoming agencies

• Visit Casper

• Vista Outdoor

The virtual auction raised more than $6,600 for the organization.

Other events

In partnership with America Outdoors and in coordination with local tourism boards, staff executed another press trip for OWAA members that included:

• Funding for OWAA operations

• Four current OWAA members and one “soon-to-be” member (who has now joined)

• A three-day itinerary through central Florida

• A “media marketplace” networking event with America Outdoors’ membership of tour operators and outfitters

Working with supporting groups Visit Ireland and Steller.co, the organization provided a very successful press trip to Ireland for eight current OWAA members.

The organization also convened a virtual membership meeting in June, which included committee reports, a financial overview and other pertinent information for all engaged members. Nearly 50 members attended.

Staff continued to maintain and upgrade event materials, such as continual updates to the conference RFP document, the sponsorship presentation “deck” and membership flyers.

Contests & Awards

The organization chose eight winners of the Bodie McDowell Scholarship and awarded $21,600 total, honored 68 professional journalists with 129 Excellence in Craft awards, with total prizing of more than $17,000, awarded a total of $700 and other prizes to six high school upper-class and college students via the Norm Strung Youth Writing Awards and OWAA Student Photo Contest, presented one John Madson Fellowship for $1,000, and presented honorary awards to six outstanding key volunteers.

• Committee Volunteer of the Year: David Van Wie

• Outstanding Board Members: Christine Peterson and Emily Stone

• Jade of Chiefs: Katie McKalip

• Enduring Excellence Award (formerly Excellence in Craft): Jack Ballard

• Ham Brown Award: Steve Griffin

Content

The organization maintained the owaa.org website, particularly the Members Area, to include:

• An upgraded Member Directory with broader and more powerful search options

• Lists of member benefits and resources

• Online editions of the membership magazine and webinars

• An updated "Get Involved" section

Staff produced four issues of Outdoors Unlimited (OU) — two 32-page issues and two 40-page issues — full of articles on professional development, conservation issues, specific techniques and inspiration. The organization maintained an annual editorial calendar. Before pausing the program for lack of engagement, OWAA produced three webinars for members:

• OWAA Newsmaker Session: Mining the Bahamas (in conjunction with the Environmental Defense Fund)

• National Marine Sanctuaries

• Outdoor Writing from an Indigenous Lens Staff sent 50+ email letters (eNews) to members including:

• Critical organizational announcements (conference registrations, board candidates, dates of membership meetings, etc.)

• Calls for submissions

• New benefits and opportunities

• Job postings

Staff and volunteers produced engaging social media content throughout the year and increased Instagram followers to 894 (up from 659 last year) and increased Facebook followers to 5,600 (up from 4,948 last year).

Finances

The Development Committee continued its work on:

• Planning for major gifts

• Thanking donors

• Strategic and long-term planning

It also recognized seven members of the Golden Quill Society for providing a gift to OWAA in their estate planning. Those members of the Golden Quill Society are Tim Mead, Phil Bloom, Pat Wray, Lisa Ballard, Glenn Sapir, Matt Miller and Tom Wharton.

In its work regarding the Golden Quill Society, the Development Committee also:

• Sent fall appeal to all life members to further support the organization

• Received more than $8,000 in donations to the Operating and Restricted Endowment Funds

• Attempted a digital “Giving Tuesday” fundraiser

The Supporter Relations Committee continued its work on developing more corporate support from the outdoor industry.

Membership

We supported 603 members and 103 supporting groups, and staff attended just a few available conferences and shows, including:

• Alabama Governor’s Conference on Tourism

• Archery Trade Association

• Site inspections to Casper, Wyoming, and Gulf Shores, Alabama

• Press and meeting planning trips to Asheville, North Carolina; Bloomington, Indiana; Central Florida; Ohio; Lansing, West Virginia; and Shreveport, Louisiana

The organization continued diversity initiatives:

• Monthly Diversity Committee meetings

• Reached out to specific BIPOC outdoor media to invite them to join

• Identified list of BIPOC-focused organizations, groups and educational institutions to reach out to in partnership

• Began development of a Diversity Committee strategic plan

We also increased the number of active members on our Members Only Facebook page to 455 (up from 381) and kept the page relevant, active and engaging via regular posting of:

• Calls for submissions

• Job opportunities

• Story ideas and concepts

• New member introductions and connections

We continued to maintain the Facebook group for directors and officers of state/regional outdoor writers’ groups, continued our partnership with the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable with several of their outdoor associations becoming OWAA supporting groups, and continued our partnership with a public relations firm to expand marketing efforts/ increase OWAA industry exposure.

Operations

We continued to improve operations with the following actions:

• Brought our membership services coordinator on full time

• Worked with, managed and cultivated new skills for two interns

• Continued to refine and tweak the membership database system to best serve the membership

In Memoriam

In 2022, we said goodbye to these OWAA members:

• George Ingram

• Tom E. Opre

• Clarence “Soc” Clay

• James Juntilla

OWAA 2022 FINANCIAL DASHBOARD

INCOME (KEY INDICATORS)

Advertising: $4,050

Conference: $113,729

Excellence in Craft contest: $33,742

Individual member dues: $79,904

Supporter group fees: $42,468

Total income: $282,380 (This total includes all income not just the key indicators noted above.)

ENDOWMENT STATUS

Bodie McDowell Scholarship Fund: $510,214

John Madson Fellowship Fund: $70,469

Real Estate Fund: $151,318

Restricted Endowment: $256,599

Operating Fund: $104,332

Total: $1,090,932

EXPENSE (KEY INDICATORS)

Conference: $91,886

Excellence in Craft contest: $26,778

Employee expenses: $89,937

Contractors: $21,900

OU: $6,183

Total expenses: $314,526 (This total includes all expenses, not just the key indicators noted above.)

Net income: $-29,821

Help us spread the word! If you know someone in your networks who could benefit from an individual OWAA membership, guide them to our website. As you know, our members are:

Outdoor writers, editors and publishers

Radio and television broadcasters

Film and video producers

Photographers and artists

Lecturers and educators

MEMBERSHIP

Individual: 603

Supporting groups: 103

Podcasters

Bloggers, influencers and new media communicators

Communications and PR professionals

ICE FISHING FEATURE

SASKATCHEWAN

BY SUZANNE DOWNING ALBERTON, MONTANA

What to expect when fishing Canada's hard ice and four tips for on-field reporting

Ryan

With more than 60 species of fish living beneath Lake Diefenbaker’s hard ice, anglers travel from all over the world every winter to enjoy this remote ice fishing spot in the small resort community of Beaver Flat, Saskatchewan.

Marsh offers his ice shack for multiple days and overnight rentals and spends countless days guiding tourists to the shack’s remote location.

Although the ice shack is secluded, Marsh equipped it with solar-powered electricity, a wood-burning stove, benches that double as beds and a cellphone booster. The interior accommodates four anglers comfortably with six spaced-out fishing holes.

“Let’s get you going here,” said Marsh as he drilled through thick layers of ice with a battery-powered auger to expose water in two fishing holes. One for a pole. One for an underwater camera.

“I see you! There you are,” added Marsh as he rotated the underwater

one-ton pickup

on

camera to display the minnow head jig on a big-screen TV mounted to the back wall of the shack. “Watch for walleye now,” said Marsh. “As they get closer to check out your minnow, set the hook.”

Sitting inside the shack with a pole and underwater camera is just one way to fish Lake Diefenbaker. Outside, seasoned fishing guide Todd Dyck, Marsh’s colleague, drilled several holes in the ice. Local fishing regulations allow for two holes per angler. When the fish aren’t biting in the ice shack, fishing outdoors creates a nice change of scenery — especially when you’re fishing for eight to 10 hours a day.

Outside, you can jig with a pole and a transducer (sonar fish finder) and/or use a tip-up. Anglers often use tip-ups — devices that suspend bait at a set depth in a hole — so they can fish another hole hands-free. A tip-up also has a built-in pop-up flag and bell that alert anglers to a fish on the hook.

Continued on next page ...

For

Marsh, driving a

truck

Lake Diefenbaker's frozen water to his ice shack is commonplace during Canada's winter months. As a long-time fishing guide (and owner of Marshland Fishing), Marsh knows to avoid snowdrifts and ridges. His truck tires remain in tune with the makeshift lake road formed by anglers atop more than 20 inches of ice.

LEFT: An angler on Lake Diefenbaker. ABOVE: Marsh's ice shack at night. RIGHT: Todd Dyck measures a walleye.

Photos by Suzanne Downing

Whether you fish inside the ice shack or outside, you’ll need to play around with your depths. If you’re fishing with a guide, it’s nice as they can give you tips and guide you through the process. For example, if you’re targeting walleye on Lake Diefenbaker, you’ll want to jig about six inches from the bottom.

Inside the shack, you can also set up rattle reels — a specially designed reel that attaches to a bucket to suspend bait at a set depth. When a fish grabs your bait, the rattle reel makes a distinct loud rattle sound.

Marsh attached a dead smelt to the end of a rattle reel and lowered it into a hole in the shack. “If you hear this going off, you’ll want to start slowly pulling in line hand over hand,” said Marsh as he demonstrated the technique. “You might even get a burbot latched on to the smelt in the middle of the night.”

With that, I’m not sure if Marsh was joking or if he wanted to make sure I got hardly any sleep in anticipation of a monster fish swimming beneath me.

Eventually I saw a walleye approach my minnow on the big screen. When I attempted to set the hook, the walleye got away. But I lowered my bait right back down and successfully set the hook on the second try. Reeling in that fish is a core memory and gave me a greater appreciation for ice fishing. And I couldn't wait to taste it.

FROM LAKE TO PLATE

For Marsh and Dyck, cooking the days’ catch for anglers out on the ice is part of their service. And they both have their famous (and secret) Canadian-style recipes.

“It’s a secret liquid breading mix,” said Marsh as he put walleye and pike strips into a plastic bag full of a yellow paste. “You just shake it and mix it all together before deep-frying it.”

And when Marsh said deep-fry, he meant it. After making a log-cabin formation of wood to start a fire, Marsh placed a homemade oversized pan over the fire and poured oil nearly three-quarters of the way up. The sizzling sound of fish frying in the pan on the ice on a secluded frozen lake — knowing that was our catch that day — was nostalgic and satisfying. And the end result of that fish fry was enjoying some delicious fish.

“There’s nothing quite like cooking your fresh catch over an open flame for connecting you to nature in a way that few things can,” said Marsh. “It’s even better when shared with good folks.”

ABOVE: Suzanne Downing holds a walleye that she caught in the ice shack using a minnow head. Photo by Joe Downing

BELOW: Todd Dyck cooks up some fresh fish fillets in a cast-iron skillet inside an ice shanty. Photo by Suzanne Downing

ABOVE: Joe Downing fishes with a sonar fish finder Photo by Suzanne Downing

ABOVE: Ryan Marsh deep-fries the fresh catch of the day on open flames on Lake Diefenbaker Photo by Suzanne Downing

LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE

Last Mountain Lake in south-central Saskatchewan, Canada, is an important ecological site, known for its diverse wildlife and bird populations. Surprisingly, the lake has never been stocked with fish by humans. You can fish hard ice on this 80-plus-squaremile lake just like you would on Lake Diefenbaker. Simply rent a shack equipped with ice fishing gear and you’re all set. You can rent a house on the lake or camp nearby.

At Last Mountain Lake, anglers commonly catch native fish species like walleye, northern pike and yellow perch, which naturally colonized the lake over time. This natural balance of species is part of what makes Last Mountain Lake a unique and thriving ecosystem. Every year, anglers catch walleye weighing more than 10 pounds and northern pike weighing more than 20 pounds — both considered trophy-sized fish. Although no trophy fish were caught on this trip, the scenery and experience of unplugging from normal life were still worth the journey.

FOUR TIPS FOR ON-FIELD REPORTING

Pack for the weather and activity

As you know, packing for cold weather fills a duffel bag or suitcase to capacity quicker than a warm-weather trip. Although you’ll be putting on your journalism hat, you’ll also be a participant in the activity. In this case — visiting Saskatchewan in January — I needed ice fishing gear to stay warm. I knelt on the ice to fish and to photograph. When I interviewed fishing guides, I stayed toasty warm.

Take wide, medium and tight shots

It’s great to document your trip with wide, medium and tight photos to showcase a variety of scenery and activities. Even cellphone images work!

Pause to participate

Often as a journalist, you forget to stop creating content and enjoy the activity. By pausing to participate, you can take it all in and be inspired.

Plan an extra day for travel

When traveling to a destination by way of road or air, it’s nice to have an extra day before your scheduled activity in case you get delayed. It’s also nice to have a day to get acclimated before your adventures begin. On this trip, we drove 45 minutes to the Canadian border from Malta, Montana, only to find that the border isn’t open on Sunday. So, we turned around and drove back to Malta to stay the night. I was glad we had an extra day!

— Suzanne Downing is a freelance writer and the publications editor for Outdoors Unlimited.

ABOVE: Joe Downing walks out of an ice shack on Last Mountain Lake Photo by Suzanne Downing

ABOVE: The view driving out onto Last Mountain Lake. Photo by Suzanne Downing

The sun sets on Last Mountain Lake. Photo by Suzanne Downing

OUTDOOR WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

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COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Contributors grant rights for OWAA to publish once in Outdoors Unlimited, both the print and online versions, including archives, and on the OWAA website.

OUTDOORS UNLIMITED

Spring 2023

Vol. 84, No. 2

Meet a member

WHAT ARE YOUR AREAS OF OUTDOOR COMMUNICATION?

NAME: Chris Paparo

RESIDENCE: Calverton, New York

OWAA MEMBER SINCE: 2014

Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Chris Paparo has been exploring the wilds of the Island for more than 35 years. As the owner of Fish Guy Photos, he is a wildlife photographer, writer and lecturer who enjoys bringing public awareness to the diverse wildlife that call the Island home. His passion for coastal ecology, fishing and the outdoors led him to obtain a B.S. in marine science from Long Island University-Southampton, and he currently manages the Marine Sciences Center at the Southampton campus of Stony Brook University.

These days, I find myself lecturing way more than writing. Local libraries make up a bulk of my business, but fishing clubs, birding clubs, gardening clubs and, most importantly, breweries round out the other locations. I find lecturing to be extremely rewarding as I am able to interact with my audience in real time. As for my style, I prefer being a storyteller rather than a scientist. Even though I have a B.S. in marine science, I leave the science at the university. People relate far more to pictures, videos and personal experiences than they do to charts, graphs and statistics. And with all the environmental problems facing this planet, it is more important than ever that the public has a better understanding of the natural world around us.

WHAT ENTICED YOU TO JOIN OWAA?

As a member of the New York State Outdoor Writers Association, I met a lot of like-minded people who were eager to share their experiences with me. As a newcomer to the outdoor communicator world, this exposure was extremely valuable. I later joined OWAA to further expand my knowledge and grow my network.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OUTDOOR ACTIVITY?

Scuba diving is by far my favorite outdoor activity. As a kid, I always dreamed about what lived under my favorite fishing pier. I would draw images of

what I thought was down there (I had quite the imagination), but it was not until I was 17 years old and I got scuba certified that I could see it with my very own eyes. Since a very young age, I always knew I wanted to be a marine biologist, but that first dive really sealed the deal.

WHAT DREW YOU TO THE FIELD?

When I was six years old, my dad took me fishing for the first time, and I have been hooked on marine science and the outdoors ever since.

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?

As I write this, I am packing for a trip to the Solomon Islands, Uepi Island to be exact. In 1999, I took Tropical Marine Biology as a winter-session class, and two of the four weeks were spent on this small coral outcropping. The experience was amazing and I always said I would make it back to that island one day. Well, 24 years later, the professor who taught the class has organized a “reunion” trip, and 16 of us are heading back to Uepi! Oh, and I forgot to mention, I met my wife of 20 years on this trip. She was also a student, but we had not met prior to this class.

WHAT HAVE YOU GAINED FROM THE ORGANIZATION?

I have gained many valuable connections that have helped me continue to grow as a professional.