Editor’s Insight by Bill L. Olson

On May 2, 2026, at the 68th Annual Texas Outdoor Writers Association Conference held at Charlotte Plummers Seafare Restaurant in Rockport — Texas Outdoors Journal, TOJ Team Members and Texas Outdoor News radio increased their awards totals.  Each year T.O.W.A.’s Excellence In Craft competition recognizes the best in print, broadcast journalism plus photography in Texas.

In the Outdoor Publication category Texas Outdoors Journal received Second Place for the issue submitted.  Combined with winnings from the previous 27 years brings TOJ’s total to an unprecedented 28 consecutive years of recognition. No other outdoor publication can equal this level of sustained excellence.

Individual awards substantiated the consistent quality TOJ produces each month.  Bob Zaiglin dominated the Outdoor Photography – Wildlife plus Outdoor Photography — People categories.  Zaiglin received both First Place awards in Outdoor Photography — Wildlife and Outdoor Photography – People.

TOJ’s information filled website that provides regular news updates plus useful tools for anglers and hunters was awarded Second Place.  The content includes sunrise and sunsets, maps of old coastal well locations, current lake levels and much more.

Texas Outdoor News radio remains the most honored outdoor radio show in Texas.  The long running 33-year-old world-wide, weekly syndicated news/interview program collected two awards in the Outdoor Radio category including an Honorable Mention with guest Justing Spring, Executive Director of Pope and Young, and the First Place Award for its show with TOJ’s West Texas Editor Shane Jahn.

Even though there has been a long-standing Outdoor Radio category, TOWA added a Podcast category this year.  TON was awarded an Honorable mention for its show with its guest, professional predator and hog hunter plus electronic game call inventor Byron South.  TON also received Second Place for its show with TOJ Whitetail Editor Bob Zaiglin.

Texas Outdoor Writers Association added a new Top Prize in a category called Texas Coverage.  It allowed entries from all media, and the criteria the Judges used stated, “Coverage focused on Texas, its people, places, culture, environment, history, public policy, or issues of statewide or regional significance.”  TOWA Board Chairman Herman Brune explained prior to the awards being presented, “Texas must be the focus, and awards will be based on the best representation of Texas.”

Of the four awards presented Team TOJ was awarded three of them.  An Honorable Mention went to Texas Outdoor News with guests TPWD District Leaders Eric Garza and District Leader Ryan Schmidt.  Second Place was awarded for a beautiful photograph of a jackrabbit taken by Bob Zaiglin.  First Place was awarded to Texas Outdoors Journal.

The 2026 TOWA Conference Excellence In Craft offered some new categories and recognized the Best In Texas.  With the new Texas Coverage top category and awards, plus recognition in individual categories, Team TOJ continues to lead with its comprehensive outdoor coverage in the Lone Star State.  Congratulations to all the award winners and thanks to TOWA for continuing to recognize the work by its members and outdoor industry supporters.

Founded with the October 1992 issue, Texas Outdoors Journal is distributed statewide across the Lone Star State with additional readers residing across the United States.  Timely year-round fishing, hunting, outdoors travel, and forecasts are covered in every monthly issue, 12 times each year.

Texas Outdoor News radio was founded in 1993.  Its news and interview format provides timely outdoor updates, weekly best bets plus insights from professionals from the outdoor industry. Be sure and visit our websites at www.texasoutdoorsjournal.com and www.texasoutdoornews.com.