How Wild is Your Montana? Photo Contest Could Make You a Winner

There you are in the great Montana outdoors. Something. The landscape, the lighting, a rare glimpse of wildlife up close, takes your breath away.

You never know when you might stumble upon just the right photo op. So good, that you intend to hang onto it as a personal keepsake, anyway. So, you might as well submit it, too.

Starting tomorrow (Wednesday, February 1), Wild Montana and Wild Montana Action Fund begins their 14th annual Picture Wild Montana photo contest, with prizes offered for the best photos taken on public lands across the state. From wilderness to raging river to serene wildlife refuge, take your best shots during memorable moments in the great Montana outdoors. It need not be as action-packed and heart-stopping as the kayaker going over Kootenai Falls on Montana's Kootenai River (pictured). Gotta admit, though, that one's pretty crazy!

Every year, amateur and professional photographers from across the state participate in the Picture Wild Montana photo contest. Wild Montana receives hundreds of entries, and it grows every year. And even if you don't think it's a prize-winner, an incredible gallery is assembled for a Montana hospital to provide comfort and therapy.

Judges will choose the top three entries. First prize is a $300 Visa gift card and merchandise from contest sponsors. The entry deadline is March 12, and you can submit up to 10 pictures, which must be submitted individually. You can get all the details, contest entry forms and questions answered on this page of the Wild Montana site.

One of the really cool things about this contest is what Wild Montana does with select entries after the contest deadline. Benefis Hospital in Great Falls displays photos from finalists throughout the facility for patients and guests to enjoy.

Good luck and good picture taking, Montana!