Hunters and anglers capture some of their most meaningful moments on our public lands and waters. From designated wilderness and Bureau of Land Management tracts to Forest Service parcels and the waters in between, these places shape the experiences we carry with us long after the trip ends.
This year’s contest featured four categories:
Hunting on Public Lands
Fishing on Public Waters
Backcountry Wildlife
United We Stand for Public Lands — part of our United We Stand for Public Lands campaign, where participants submitted photos showcasing their patriotism on public lands and waters while featuring United We Stand merchandise.
Winners took home more than $8,900 in prizes from partners including Savage, Simms, Fishpond, Seek Outside, Benchmade, Sitka, First Lite, Walton’s, Irish Setter, Grundens, NRS, and more.
The overall grand prize winner will be featured on the cover of the Summer 2026 issue of Backcountry Journal, with additional entries potentially appearing in future issues as well.
Overall Grand Prize
Intrigue — Jordan Lefler
Backcountry Wildlife
FIRST PLACE - Battleground in the Basin — Seth Owens
SECOND PLACE - Snack Time — Angelica Boyd-Devine
THIRD PLACE - Snowy Rams — Jacob Bleggi
Fishing on Public Waters
FIRST PLACE — Jordan Lefler
SECOND PLACE - Sunrise Fishing — John Fallon
THIRD PLACE - Peers & Patterns - Aaron Azzarello
Hunting on Public Lands
FIRST PLACE - A River Runs Through — Tyler Bryan
SECOND PLACE - Desert Warfare — Lexie McPherson
THIRD PLACE - Pack Train - Carson Huckert
United We Stand for Public Lands
FIRST PLACE - Service Members, United — Jacob Greenslade
SECOND PLACE - Veterans Day Success — Alec Boyd-Devine
THIRD PLACE - The Next Generation - Caleb Reynolds
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Kylee Burleigh
BHA Digital Media Coordinator. Based in central Washington.
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Full biography
BHA Digital Media Coordinator. Based in central Washington.
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