Creative Writing Competition
Essay Contest Sponsored By:
Oklahoma Station Safari Club International
Theme:
- Hunting: Sharing the Heritage
- Archery: What I like about Archery in the Schools and Bowhunting
Students must use one of the themes to develop an expository essay or short story.
Eligibility:
Students ages 11-17 currently enrolled in any Oklahoma School and home school students are eligible for participation. Winners of the 2023 contest are not eligible. Applicants must have successfully completed an Oklahoma Hunter Education course by the entry deadline.
Deadline for Entry:
Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.
Specifications:
- Length should not exceed 500 words for essays.
- Students must have successfully completed an Oklahoma Hunter Education course by the entry deadline.
- Papers should be carefully proofed for spelling, punctuation, capitalization and grammar.
Judging:
Applicants will be judged on the use of the theme concept, creativity, neatness, proper grammar and punctuation. Winners of the statewide competition will be notified by phone.
Prizes:
In the 11-14 age category: Two boys and two girls will be awarded a trip to the Texas Outdoors Camp and in addition will be invited to Fairview Oklahoma -RACK ATTACK for an all-expense paid trip to harvest a Ram or feral Hog of their choice and receive a scholarship to the Outdoor Texas Camp during the summer of 2026. The Oklahoma Station Safari Club International will reimburse the winners travel expenses at 50 cents per mile. Does not include trophy mount or meat processing. Age categories are based on the age of the student when they submit the essay.
In the 15-17 age category: One girl and one boy will go to the ROCKIN S Ranch near San Angelo , Texas to hunt Scimitar Horned Oryx. The Oklahoma Station of Safari Club International will reimburse the winners’ travel expenses at 50 cents per mile. All meals and lodging during the hunt as well as all license and permit costs will be covered by Oklahoma Station Chapter Safari Club International. Hunt also includes a shoulder mount by Terry’s Taxidermy. Meat processing is not included. Age categories are based on the age of the student when they submit the essay.
The six winners will be invited to an awards ceremony in the Spring of 2026. In addition, the top 25 essay entrants will receive a one-year youth membership to Safari Club International. The four state winners’ entries will be printed in the Oklahoma Station Chapter Safari Club International December Newsletter “Safari Trails”. Printing makes the essays eligible for consideration in the Outdoor Writers Association of America Youth Writing Contest. Essays may also be printed in Outdoor Oklahoma magazine.