NYS Outdoor Writers Association

NYSOWA Antlerless Deer Photo Contest

Official Contest Rules

• Eligibility & Harvest Period: Open to all, provided it includes a legal antlerless deer harvested in New York State during any 2026–2027 hunting season.

• Entry Categories (one winner will be chosen per category):

  • Adult Female (Ages 16+)

  • Adult Male (Ages 16+)

  • Youth Female (Ages 12–15)

  • Youth Male (Ages 12–15)

• Entry Limit & Fee: Multiple entries permitted, but only one photo entry per harvested deer. A $7 entry fee per photo goes to support the NYSOWA Bob McNitt Memorial Scholarship Fund and NYSOWA educational events.

• Photo Requirements:

  • Safety First: The hunting implement (bow, crossbow, rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloader) must be safely displayed in the photo.

  • Blaze Orange / Pink: If harvested with a firearm, shotgun, or muzzleloader, the hunter in the photo must be wearing NYS-required hunter orange or pink clothing. (Blaze clothing is optional for archery/crossbow harvests).

  • Prohibited Items: Photos must not show any alcohol or tobacco products.

• Judging Criteria: Experienced outdoor photographers will judge photos based on overall quality, natural scenery, and the photo’s ability to capture a safe, fun, and legal hunting moment.

• Deadline & Prizes: One winner will be selected per category. Entries close January 31, 2027. Winners will be notified via email following the contest deadline.

Terms & Conditions

1. Photo Rights & Usage: By submitting an entry, you grant the New York State Outdoor Writers Association (NYSOWA) a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to reproduce, publish, display, and distribute your submitted photograph(s) in NYSOWA publications, newsletters, websites, social media, and promotional materials.

2. Compliance & Legality: You certify that the deer pictured was harvested legally in New York State during the 2026–2027 season in full compliance with Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulations and NYSOWA photo guidelines.

3. Youth Submissions: Entrants submitting on behalf of minor hunters (ages 12–15) certify that they are the parent or legal guardian, or have obtained permission from the parent/guardian to enter the child’s image and information.

4. Non-Refundable Fee: All entry fees ($7 per photo) will support the the Bob McNitt Memorial Scholarship Fund and NYSOWA events and are strictly non-refundable.

5. Decisions of Judges: All decisions made by the NYSOWA judging panel are final and binding.