Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Exhibit Premieres at EcoWild Expo

Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Exhibit Premieres at EcoWild Expo

The 2024 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Exhibit will premiere at the EcoWild Outdoor Expo on May 10-12, 2024, at the Mobile Convention Center in Mobile, Alabama. The event opens Friday, May 10, at noon.

The traveling exhibit features the top four photos from 10 categories in the 2024 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest, including Alabama State Parks, Birds, Wildlife, Nature-based Recreation, Bugs and Butterflies, Shoots and Roots, Cold-blooded Critters, Scenic, Sweet Home Alabama and Young Photographers.

"Our annual photo contest is one of the ways we promote the concept of natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation in Alabama," said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). "It's a great way for us to connect with audiences who may not hunt, fish or target shoot but enjoy the natural resources that are supported through conservation funding that hunting, fishing and shooting sports provide."

In the United States, conservation efforts are primarily funded through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration acts which levy excise taxes on some hunting, fishing, and shooting sports equipment. These funds are distributed to states according to each state's size and number of license sales.

"Outdoor Alabama's photo contest and exhibit not only showcase the incredible talents of the winning photographers they shine a spotlight on the abundant wildlife and beautiful landscapes of Alabama that are made possible, in part, through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses," said Billy Pope, Director of ADCNR's Communications and Marketing Section. "We are excited to debut this year's exhibit at the very first EcoWild Outdoor Expo in Mobile. We are also grateful for our partners at PMT Publishing for making this event possible."

EcoWild Outdoor Expo is a three day, family-friendly event featuring activities, vendors, and education about hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, birdwatching and more. The Expo is produced by PMT Publishing, publishers of regional magazines and southeastern based events for more than 40 years.

PMT Publishing's Events Coordinator, Frances Hurley, said the EcoWild Outdoor Expo is designed for attendees to visit with outdoor lifestyle experts and learn about conservation including the many outdoor recreation opportunities available throughout the state.

"There will be something for everybody at the Expo," Hurley said. "We hope families will attend and learn about hunting or fishing opportunities and learn from experts in the field. There will be several interactive activities for them to experience like a rock wall and butterfly house. The Outdoor Alabama (ADCNR) classroom will also feature lots of information and activities focused on conservation in the state including archery, saltwater touch tanks and animal ambassadors. It should be a great experience for anyone who attends."

The EcoWild Outdoor Expo will take place May 10-12, 2024, at the Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street, in Mobile, Alabama. For more information, including event hours and how to purchase tickets, visit http://www.ecowildexpo.com.

For more information about the Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest and to view the 2024 exhibit schedule, visit http://www.outdooralabama.com/photocontest.

ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at http://www.outdooralabama.com.