Excellence in Craft

The annual Excellence in Craft competition, the most prestigious award program of its kind, recognizes outdoor communicators in all fields for endeavors of special distinction.

Sharon Rushton Award

This award is presented for excellence in communications for and/or about youth in the outdoors. Its namesake, Sharon Rushton, is a dedicated proponent of promoting outdoor activities, especially fishing, to young people.

Best Conference Site Story

Our conference sites often offer tremendous opportunities for gathering story material. This award honors excellence for communications that are a result of conference attendance.

Special Awards

SEOPA offers several special awards, none of which are necessarily presented every year. Outstanding contributions of service to the organization are recognized with the group’s most prestigious honor, the Tom Rollins Award, named for one of its founding members and longtime executive director. The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to members for special contributions to the profession and craft of outdoor communications. Our Chuck Buckley Special Friends Award was established in honor of SEOPA’s longtime tax advisor for people who make special contributions to conservation, act as mentors, or show dedicated service to SEOPA. Life Membership can also be bestowed upon longtime members for loyal and distinguished service to SEOPA.