2023 Creative Writing Competition
Essay Contest Sponsored By: Oklahoma Station Chapter 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 2021 contest are not eligible. Applicants must have successfully completed an Oklahoma Hunter Education course by the entry deadline.
Deadline for Entry:
Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
Number of entries per school: There is no limit to the number of entries per school.
Specifications:
The essay or short story should be double-spaced on white, 8 1/2 x 11 paper, with 1 1/2-inch margins on top, bottom, and sides. Typewritten copy is preferred. All essays or short stories must be legible.
Length should not exceed 1,000 words (four typewritten pages) for short stories, or 500 words (two typewritten pages) 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.
A completed entry form must be used as a cover sheet and stapled to the essay or short story. Entry must be typed and signed by the teacher or youth group leader.
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: One boy and one girl will get a hunting trip at Rack Attack Outfitters in Fairview, Oklahoma, or similar and receive a scholarship to the Outdoor Texas Camp for hunting during the summer of 2024. The Oklahoma Station of Safari Club International will reimburse the winners' travel expenses up to a maximum of $500 per Essay Contest Winner.
In the 15-17 age category: One girl and one boy will go on a guided antelope hunt in one of the Western States - dependent on the ability to access Licenses and Permits. Note: most states with a huntable population of pronghorn antelope have gone to a preference point system, with 5 preference points required to draw an antelope tag. It is possible to obtain permits from Sovereign Nations; which have their own game laws and frequently do not require preference points. If tags for antelope do not become available a hunt of equivalent or greater value may be substituted. The Oklahoma Station of Safari Club International will reimburse the winners' travel expenses up to a maximum of $500 per Essay Contest Winner where driving is a possibility. If we are required to fly, to help control over all costs - all airfare for the contest winner and their guardian will be reimbursed by the Oklahoma Station Chapter Safari Club International. Also included will be all meals and lodging during the hunt as well as all license and permit costs.
Antelope Hunt Information:
In the 15-17 age category: One girl and one boy will go on a guided antelope hunt in a Western state where tags are available. Winners in this category must comply with all requirements the state’s [or Sovereign Nation’s] game laws for the 2024 hunting season. The Oklahoma Station of Safari Club International will reimburse travel expenses up to a maximum of $500 per Essay Contest Winner where driving is a possibility. If flying all airfare for essay winner and guardian will be reimbursed, as well as for all meals and lodging during the hunt
The Four winners will be invited to an awards ceremony. The expected date is March 30, 2024, at the Riverwind Casino in Norman, Oklahoma. 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.
Deadline:
All mailed entries must be postmarked no later than midnight Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
Address entries to Essay Contest, Lance Meek, ODWC, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152.