Purpose:

To provide an opportunity for unpublished writers to gain exposure through the Jack O’Connor Center.

Preferred Content:

Non-fiction articles related to big game hunting from around the world.

Preferred Media:

In the spirit of Jack O’Connor, submissions should be formatted similar to a magazine article

General Rules:

All entries must be original works of nonfiction up to 4,000 words and no less than 1,500 words. Writers must submit at least one supportive photograph that includes the image of the author.

Submissions:

Entries submitted in hard copy must be typewritten or printed by computer, double-spaced in black ink on white paper. Pages must be numbered, using one side only. Each entry must have a cover page with the title of the work, the author’s legal name, a pen name if applicable, address, telephone number, e-mail address and approximate word count. Every subsequent page must carry the title. Entries submitted electronically must be double-spaced and include the title on each page. Electronic submissions will separately include the author’s legal name, pen name if applicable, address, telephone number, e-mail address and approximate word count.

Mail-in entries should be submitted to:

Heritage Writers Award Jack O’Connor Hunting Heritage and Education Center P. O. Box 394 Lewiston, Idaho 83501 Electronic entries should be submitted to [email protected]

Returns and Delivery:

Manuscripts cannot be returned after judging.

We accept only entries that do not require a delivery signature for us to receive them.

Contest deadlines and accepted publication dates:

Entries must be received no later than February 15, 2027. The winners will be notified no later than April 1, 2027. The winner will be announced and publicly recognized during the Jack O’Connor Banquet, April 17, 2027, in Lewiston, Idaho.

Judging:

Special preference will be given to authors that present their works in a similar fashion to Jack O’Connor himself, making the reader feel as if they were standing beside the writer.

Winner will be picked by a panel of Jack O’Connor Center represented judges

Prizes:

The winner will be honored at the Jack O’Connor Anniversary Banquet and will receive a personalized Jack O’Connor Heritage Writers Award plaque. They will receive a complimentary table (8) at the Banquet. The winner will have the opportunity for the article to be presented on all Jack O’Connor Center platforms.