Our Work Speaks Volumes

RGS & AWS Covers Magazine Honored with Multiple National Awards in 2025

The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) is proud to announce that its quarterly membership publication, Covers magazine, received multiple national recognitions in 2025, earning top honors from the APEX Awards for Publication Excellence, the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) and the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA).

These awards highlight the continued excellence of Covers in delivering compelling conservation storytelling and high-quality outdoor journalism.

At the 2025 APEX Awards for Publication Excellence, the Spring 2025 issue of Covers received a Grand Award, recognizing outstanding overall quality in editorial content, design and communication.

The magazine also earned First Place in Publishing at the 2025 AGLOW Awards in Craft for the Fall 2024 issue, recognizing excellence in outdoor media production among writers, photographers and publishers throughout the Great Lakes region.

“This publication stands out for its well-written stories covering a range of topics, from practical tips for dog safety and training to profiles highlighting American-made sports heritage products and introspective conservation pieces,” AGLOW judges noted. “This issue highlights the organization’s 2023 Conservation Impact Report, offering readers a clear view of the organization’s nationwide conservation efforts and national-level policy issues.”

Additionally, the Spring 2024 issue of Covers, which celebrated the 10th anniversary of the American Woodcock Society, received two national honors at the 2025 POMA Pinnacle Awards. The issue earned the Magazine Complete – Print Award and the Wildlife Conservation Award, recognizing both its editorial excellence and its impactful conservation messaging.

“These recognitions are a reflection of the dedication our team brings to telling meaningful conservation stories,” said Britney Booth, editor-in-chief of Covers magazine. “At RGS & AWS, our work in the field to improve habitat and support upland wildlife is at the heart of everything we do. It’s especially rewarding to see that mission come to life in the pages of Covers and to have that storytelling honored by our peers in the outdoor communications community.”

The awards celebrate the skill, creativity and dedication required to produce high-quality outdoor media that informs, inspires and connects readers to conservation. These recognitions underscore the commitment of RGS & AWS to advancing forest wildlife conservation while sharing that mission through engaging storytelling and visual media.

To support RGS & AWS' ongoing efforts to improve forest habitats for future generations and receive Covers magazine quarterly, visit Ruffed.org. 

About the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society

RGS & AWS unites conservationists to improve wildlife habitat and forest health for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and ALL forest wildlife. We promote forest stewardship for our forests, our wildlife and our future. 

NAGA News Receives National Recognition at 2025 POMA Pinnacle Awards

The North American Gamebird Association (NAGA) is proud to announce that NAGA News, the organization’s official magazine, received national recognition at the 2025 Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) Pinnacle Awards.

The May/June 2024 issue of NAGA News, titled “The Indemnity Issue,” earned the Outstanding Achievement Award in 2025. The recognition highlights the publication’s strong editorial quality and its focus on issues that matter most to the gamebird industry.

The award-winning issue examined indemnity and related challenges facing gamebird producers and hunting preserves, providing readers with insight into policy developments, industry impacts and practical considerations.

“Given the now three-year-old battle against avian influenza across the country, indemnity for affected gamebird producers is a vital topic for hunting businesses,” said Rob Sexton, executive director of the North American Gamebird Association. “Hats off to our NAGA News Editor, Britney Booth, for providing such clear information on a complex issue to meet the needs of NAGA members.”

The POMA Pinnacle Awards recognize excellence in outdoor journalism, publishing and communications across a wide range of categories. Each year the awards highlight outstanding work that informs, educates and engages audiences across the outdoor community.

This recognition underscores NAGA’s commitment to delivering meaningful industry reporting and strengthening communication within the gamebird community.

Lincoln, Neb. (October 8, 2024) – Hunting Life Magazine, a leading digital publication dedicated to sharing news, tips and stories about hunting and wildlife conservation, is proud to announce that it has been recognized at the 2024 Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) Annual Conference held at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park recently. Winning the esteemed AGLOW Award-in-Craft for Best of Print or Electronic Media for its Summer 2024 issue, Hunting Life Magazine continues to affirm its commitment to excellence in outdoor journalism.

This accolade celebrates outstanding achievements in publishing, highlighting the magazine's dedication to delivering high-quality content to its readers. 

“We’re thrilled to receive this recognition from AGLOW,” said Britney Booth, editor of Hunting Life Magazine. “Our mission has always been to foster a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the hunting community. This recognition from AGLOW is a testament to that, and it energizes us to continue creating compelling content that inspires and informs our readers.”

The AGLOW Awards-In-Craft are part of an annual program designed to honor writers, photographers, broadcasters and digital content creators who have made significant contributions to the field of outdoor communications.

Attendees of the conference enjoyed opportunities to network, share insights and explore innovations in media and outdoor recreation. Hunting Life Magazine was among the many distinguished publications that participated in celebrating the vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts and professionals.

For more information on Hunting Life Magazine, and to receive a digital copy, visit HuntingLife.com/Magazines.

About Hunting Life Magazine

Hunting Life Magazine is a leading publication dedicated to sharing news, tips and stories about hunting and wildlife conservation. Through its digital editions, the magazine strives to connect outdoor enthusiasts with the latest developments in the world of hunting and conservation.

Pittsburgh, Pa. (October 8, 2024) – The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) is proud to announce its quarterly magazine, Covers, has been recognized at the 2024 Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) Awards-In-Craft held at the Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park.

In a celebration of excellence in outdoor communication, the AGLOW Annual Conference gathered industry leaders and creatives to honor outstanding achievements. Among the top honorees was the Spring 2024 issue of Covers, which received accolades for its exceptional conservation content and contribution to print media. The issue, celebrating the 10th anniversary of AWS, showcased content exclusively about the American woodcock.

“Everyone at RGS & AWS takes immense pride in our daily conservation efforts. Every level of the organization is passionate about enhancing habitat and ensuring a thriving future for upland birds. It's an honor to convey our mission through our magazine and for our team to receive recognition for this excellence,” shared Britney Booth, editor-in-chief of Covers magazine.

The awards, presented at AGLOW’s annual conference, spotlight the skill and dedication involved in producing high-quality content that resonates with readers and the outdoor community. This recognition underscores the commitment of RGS & AWS to promoting outdoor recreation and conservation through visually compelling and informative media.

About the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society

RGS & AWS unites conservationists to improve wildlife habitat and forest health for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and ALL forest wildlife. We promote forest stewardship for our forests, our wildlife and our future. 

The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) received two Professional Outdoor Media Association’s (POMA) 2024 Outstanding Achievement awards in the “Magazine Complete – Print” and “Wildlife Conservation” categories, presented during the 2024 POMA conference in July at the South Carolina Waterfowl Association in Pinewood, South Carolina. 

The Pinnacle Awards honor journalists for their remarkable achievements in traditional outdoor sports-focused communications, including magazine publication, writing, photography/illustration/art, broadcasting and content focused on wildlife conservation.

The Covers magazine issue that took home both awards was Winter 2022, which included articles on introducing young people to the world of upland hunting, raising pigeons for training and the coexistence of ruffed grouse and wild turkeys, to name a few.

“I’m very proud of the work we do every day for conservation, and the amazing team we have at RGS & AWS! From the top down, the organization is filled with people who truly care about habitat creation and the future of the upland birds we love to hunt. I’m honored to help share our mission through Covers, and to be recognized for excellence in my craft,” said Booth. 

Photographer Bill Marchel took the image on the cover of the Winter 2022 issue, depicting two ruffed grouse feeding on crabapples after a snowstorm. 

Additionally, Covers received an APEX Award of Excellence from Communications Concepts, Inc. in the “Magazines, Journals & Tabloids” category. 

The APEX Awards are based on excellence in graphic design, editorial content and the ability to achieve overall communications excellence. The magazines submitted for this award can be about any topic and are open to the entire nation. Covers was among winners, such as the Air Line Pilots Association, American Society of Safety Professionals, AARP The Magazine, High Country Magazine and State Legislatures Magazine.

The issue that won this honor was the special edition, 10th-anniversary issue of the American Woodcock Society (Spring 2024), which included articles on everything woodcock-related. The cover featured one-of-a-kind cover art by Jay Dowd. 

RGS & AWS graphic designer and avid upland hunter Rob Thoresen did the layout and design work for the Spring 2024 award-winning issue.

About the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society

RGS & AWS unites conservationists to improve wildlife habitat and forest health for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and ALL forest wildlife. We promote forest stewardship for our forests, our wildlife and our future. 

By Rob Sexton, NAGA Executive Director

In early May, I had the privilege to attend my first annual meeting of the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA). POMA, like NAGA, is a trade association, representing media professionals who specialize in writing, broadcasting and producing content focusing on the outdoors, with a focus on hunting, fishing and the shooting sports – or what many of us call “the hook and bullet media.”

This 19-year-old organization includes long standing publications like Outdoor Life and corporate partners like Mossberg Firearms. It also includes many freelance consultants who work on contracts to make a living in this space. Each year, at its annual meeting, POMA recognizes its media members for outstanding achievement. These “Pinnacle Awards” fall into several media categories such as magazine, digital, photography, broadcast and more.

These recognitions are awarded by a panel of judges who are not members of the association, ensuring they are independent of both the organization and anyone whose work was evaluated. NAGA’s Communications Director Britney Booth was one such candidate. Britney edits and produces NAGA News in addition to managing our website, social media and other public relations. She does similar work for other clients. Her work has been recognized by her peers who elected her First Vice President of POMA this past year, putting her in line to lead the professional organization in 2025. 

Peer recognition is certainly a fulfilling thing. And being awarded for your work at the highest level is especially gratifying. That’s exactly what happened to Britney at the event, which took place in Pinewood, South Carolina, at the South Carolina Waterfowl Association, as she took home three honors at the organization’s Annual Awards Banquet. Most relevant to NAGA, Britney won a Pinnacle Award (top honors) for the May/June 2023 issue of NAGA News in the Magazine category. 

Among others, Britney defeated herself as the Winter 2022 issue of Covers Magazine was listed as a runner up. Britney edits and produces this publication as well. Finally, at the conclusion of the awards ceremony, Britney was awarded POMA’s top honor of the year, earning the Emerald Award for her service to the outdoor media industry.

We are grateful to have Britney’s service on behalf of the gamebird industry. This is her second stint with the organization, and we recognize the quality of her work product and commitment to the organization and its members that steadily improves each year. We consistently receive compliments on the information NAGA produces and a great deal of that originates or is improved upon by Britney Booth. 

We’re proud of you, Britney, and congratulate you on these honors from those who practice your craft at the highest level!

The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) received the Professional Outdoor Media Association’s (POMA) 2023 Pinnacle Award in the “Magazine Complete – Print” category, presented during the 2023 POMA conference in June 2023 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. The Pinnacle Awards, sponsored by Toyota, honor journalists for remarkable achievement in traditional outdoor sports-focused communications, including magazine publication, writing, photography/illustration/art, broadcasting and content focused on wildlife conservation.

The Covers magazine issue that took home the first-place award was Spring 2022, which included articles on the RGS & AWS model of working forests, choosing the best shotgun, hunting dog tune-up tips and how beavers help diversify habitat, to name a few.

While at the conference, Covers Editor Britney Booth participated in an editors’ panel discussion (the headlining event) with editors from Mule Deer Foundation’s MDF Magazine, Strung Magazine/Tail Fly Fishing Magazine, Whitetails Unlimited Magazine and Concealed Carry Magazine.

“It was an honor to represent our organization during the POMA conference. I’m so, so proud of the work we do every day for conservation, and the amazing team we have! From the top down, RGS & AWS is filled with people who truly care about habitat creation and the future of the upland birds we love to hunt. I’m honored to help share our mission through Covers, and to be recognized for excellence in my craft,” said Britney. 

The image used on the cover of the Spring 2022 issue is titled "Woodcock Hen" and was photographed by longtime RGS & AWS supporter Tim Flanigan. Tim received the 2022 Pete Greer Memorial Award for Best Published Outdoor Photograph by the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers Association for his image on that magazine cover. 

Additionally, Covers received an APEX Award of Excellence from Communications Concepts, Inc. The APEX Awards are based on excellence in graphic design, editorial content and the ability to achieve overall communications excellence. The magazines submitted for this award can be about any topic and are open to the entire nation. Covers was among winners, such as AARP, American Journal of Critical Care, Oncology Nursing Society, Society of Women Engineers and West Point Magazine.

The magazine issue that won this honor was Spring 2023 and included articles on tips for creating a complex forest, woodcock banding, and West Nile Virus study results from Canada, among others. This issue featured photographer and book author Jim McCann’s cover image of a drumming grouse. RGS & AWS graphic designer and avid upland hunter Rob Thoresen did the layout and design work.

About the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society

RGS & AWS unites conservationists to improve wildlife habitat and forest health for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and ALL forest wildlife. We promote forest stewardship for our forests, our wildlife and our future. 

Lincoln, Neb. (June 26, 2023)– Hunting Life Magazine, a leading digital publication dedicated to sharing news, tips and stories about hunting and wildlife conservation, won two Pinnacle Awards at the Professional Outdoor Media Association's (POMA) 17th Annual Business Conference, held in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. These accolades underscore Hunting Life Magazine’s commitment to excellence in outdoor hunting, shooting and fishing journalism and digital publications.

Sponsored by Toyota, the Pinnacle Awards are highly esteemed recognitions in the field of outdoor media, celebrating outstanding achievement in traditional outdoor communications. This includes categories such as magazine publication, writing, photography, broadcasting and wildlife conservation content.

Britney Booth, editor of Hunting Life Magazine was honored with the Magazine Complete (Digital) Award for the January/February 2022 edition. This recognition highlights the magazine's dedication to delivering comprehensive and engaging digital content to its readers. Additionally, Booth received the Outstanding Achievement Award for the July/August 2022 edition, further emphasizing the consistent quality and impact of Hunting Life Magazine’s digital publications.

“We are deeply honored to receive these prestigious awards from POMA,” said Booth. “Along with Hunting Life publisher, Kevin Paulson, we’re passionate about providing insightful and high-quality content that resonates with outdoor enthusiasts and conservation advocates alike. These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication we put into every issue.”

The Pinnacle Awards were evaluated by a distinguished panel of industry experts who aren’t members of the organization, ensuring an unbiased selection process.

Curt McAllister, Midwest Public Relations Manager and Outdoor Media Communications Manager at Toyota Motor North America, commented, “Toyota is proud to support the POMA Pinnacle Awards. The program represents some of the best outdoor writing, reporting and photography in the nation.”

For more information on Hunting Life Magazine, and to receive a digital copy, visit HuntingLife.com/Magazines.

About Hunting Life Magazine

Hunting Life Magazine is a leading publication dedicated to sharing news, tips and stories about hunting and wildlife conservation. Through its digital editions, the magazine strives to connect outdoor enthusiasts with the latest developments in the world of hunting and conservation.