Gulf Shore Getaway

It's time again for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources photo contest.

Early fall is just about the best time for photographing Alabama's great outdoors. Nature photographers can gain recognition for their work by entering Outdoor Alabama magazine's 2007 Photo Contest.

Winning entries will be published in the February 2007 issue of the magazine, which is published by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

All photos must have been taken in Alabama within the last two years. Wildlife and plant species must be native to the state. Eligible formats include high quality digital images, 35mm slides or larger format transparencies, and 5x7-inch to 8x10-inch color prints.

Photos may be entered in the following categories:

• Birds - native song and game birds.
• Mammals - native mammals (pets and livestock excluded).
• Reptiles and amphibians - native turtles, salamanders, frogs and snakes.
• Other native wildlife - may include butterflies and insects.
• Scenic/pictorial - photos in which natural landmarks, scenery or inanimate objects are prominent. Site location required for this category.
• Nature-based activities - people enjoying recreation such as boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, camping (sports such as baseball and football are excluded).
• Wild native flora - wildflowers, foliage, fruiting bodies, other parts of plants or trees (cultivated flowers and shrubs are excluded)

The deadline for entering the contest is 5 p.m. Oct 31.

To obtain a complete set of rules and an entry form, here's how to get in touch:

Phone: 1-800-262-3151

Mail: Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest
64 N. Union St., Suite 449
Montgomery, AL 36130

Email: magazine@outdooralabama.com