FWP Centennial Video Wins Top Honors From Outdoor Writers

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A Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks video documentary that chronicles the agency’s first 100 years of conservation through stories told by Montana cowboy poets recently received two top awards from the Outdoor Writers Association of America. In the OWAA-sponsored North American Film and Video Awards, FWP’s "No Need for a Saturday Night" was selected as the top Conservation/Natural History film and also won the "Best of the Best" award for overall excellence. "This is one of the most outstanding films that we have ever seen produced for a state agency," said contest chairman Glenn Lau, a Florida filmmaker. "In fact, it is one of the best films we have seen in years of competition." The judging took place in Ocala, Fla. in February. FWPmarked 100 years of conservation in March, a celebration that will continue throughout the year. On March 18, 1901, Montana’s seventh Legislature passed an act to provide for the appointment of a state game and fish warden to establish what would eventually become today’s Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks department. To help mark the occasion, renowned western artist Larry Zabel created "Sun River Challenge," an original oil painting that commemorates the creation of the Sun River Game Range. In addition, FWP has published a special edition of Montana Outdoors magazine, and produced its award-wining documentary video, "No Need for a Saturday Night." The video, directed by FWP videographer Mike Gurnett, chronicles the history of conservation in Montana through the words of Montana cowboy poets Mike Logan, Wally McRae, Sandy Seaton, and Paul Zarzyski, and musicians Jack Gladstone and Rob Quist. The video is available free of charge for screening at meetings, classes or conventions.Copies of the 30?minute video also are available for$9.95 on VHS tape. For information call your nearest FWP office.