Wildlife in North Carolina Magazine Announces Photo Competition Winners
OutdoorHub 01.19.12
Gene Furr, of Raleigh, won the grand prize for his image of an egret carrying nesting material near Southport. All winners are published in the January/February 2012 issue of Wildlife in North Carolina, with the grand prize image appearing on the cover. The exhibition sponsor, JW Photo Labs of Raleigh, made it possible for the photographs to be exhibited at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences and other science museums and wildlife education centers across the state.
“There were photos from every corner of the state, reflecting the diverse habitats of our natural resources that are covered in every issue of the magazine,” said Jim Wilson, editor of Wildlife in North Carolina. “The photo competition fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of North Carolina’s wildlife and wild — and some not so wild — places.
Photos were judged in 10 categories, with youth divisions for 12 and younger, and 13 to 17 year olds. First place winners by category:
- Birds: Ed Erkes of Seven Springs
- Mammals: Scott Hotaling of Cullowhee
- Reptiles and Amphibians: Mark Stanley of Wilmington
- Invertebrates: Ryan Montgomery of Greenville, S.C.
- Wild Landscapes: Kevin Council of Chapel Hill
- Youth Photographer, 13-17: Stockton Ray of Cary
- Wild Plants (including mushrooms and other fungi): Scott Hotaling of Cullowhee
- Outdoor Recreation (such as hunting, fishing and hiking): Amanda Prince of Fletcher
- Animal Behavior: Mark Stanley of Wilmington
- Youth Photographer, 12 and younger: Jack Montgomery of Greenville, S.C.
This year there were father and son winners, with Ryan Montgomery capturing first place in Invertebrates with a photo of starfish at Cape Point on Hatteras Island while his son Jack, 8, got first place in Youth 12 and younger for a shot of a sunset across the Great Smoky Mountains. Two winners, Scott Hotaling and Mark Stanley, had wins in more than one category.
Wildlife in North Carolina is published bimonthly by the Wildlife Commission. Subscribers to the magazine enjoy exceptional color photography and great articles on hunting, fishing, natural areas, wildlife research and the state’s environment in every issue, with one-year and three-year subscriptions available online. Subscribers also receive a spring and a fall outdoor guide special editions, with the latest hunting, fishing and sportsman information.
Wildlife in North Carolina magazine partnered with UNC-TV for the popular juried photo contest, along with the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation, which manages the state’s photogenic state parks, and co-sponsor, Great Outdoor Provision Co. Details and rules for the 2012 photo competition will be posted online at www.ncwildlife.org in May, and entries will be accepted beginning June 1.
