Question: Is judging anonymous?

Answer: The judges do not have access to photographers names. Photos are given a number that is used for judging.

Question: There has been a drought at the refuges for the past 2 years.
Wildlife have been almost non existent since Ike as well. As one that
visits the refuges on a regular basis, I have taken very few photos of
any decent quality since Ike.

Answer: Last year an amateur photography took some great photos of a bobcat on the auto tour at Brazoria NWR, so it is possible but maybe challenging. There's the wildlife of the western hemisphere for any good wildlife photos. There is not a specific refuge only wildlife category but a wildlife category that includes the six local counties. These mid-coast Texas categories are more local geographically than in the past but maybe is broad enough to include many photo areas. Entries taken on Texas Mid-coast NWR units simutaneously complete for refuge only awards.

Question: With an entry fee there should at least be some award for the 1st place in each category. With the cost of going out to shoot, printing, and mounting plus an entry fee. One should at least have a goal to strive for to make entry attractive.

Answer: Modest prizes are expected for first place, second place, and third place.