For the ninth consecutive year, Greenhead: The Arkansas Duck Hunting Magazine has received top honors among publications of its size from the Alliance of Area Business Publishers.
During the AABP’s 2026 Editorial Excellence Awards presentation on May 19, Greenhead received the Gold award for Best Ancillary Publication in the medium-size market. Greenhead’s parent publication Arkansas Business additionally received eight awards in various categories.
In recognizing Publisher Eric Olson, Editor Brent Birch, Art Director Dean Wheeler and Assistant Editor Caitlan Butler, the contest’s judges noted Greenhead’s “exceptional photography,” “engaging storytelling” and “thoughtful design,” which they said combine to create “a cohesive and compelling experience.” They called the magazine a “breathtaking, fully realized package that leaves a lasting impression through its artistry, depth and unmistakable sense of excellence.”
“Photo essay sections are especially noteworthy, showcasing remarkable composition and narrative strength. Typography and layout are handled with precision, supported by subtle illustrative details that elevate the overall design. Content is carefully tailored to its audience, balancing history, current issues and personal stories to create a rich and memorable publication,” the judges said.
The annual competition, judged by faculty at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, drew hundreds of entries from regional business publications across North America and Australia, according to an AABP news release.
Greenhead previously won Bronze titles in its category in 2011 and 2013, Silver in 2016 and Gold in 2012, in addition to its Gold awards each year since 2017.
“Greenhead‘s recognition is really an honor that speaks to the passion of Arkansas duck hunters and the stories that define just how much duck hunting means to our state,” Birch says. “This award is a testament to our contributors, photographers, advertisers and loyal readers who continue to support our sporting culture in the Natural State.”
Arkansas Business received Gold awards in the Best Feature Layout – Newspaper (“Who’s Selling the Buds?” by Wayne DePriest, Kyle Massey and Mark Friedman), Best Scoop (“Arkansas Blue Cross Undergoes Major Restructuring Amid $100M Loss & Merger Talks” by Mark Friedman), and Best Investigative Reporting (“Arkansas Office of Professional Conduct” by Mark Friedman) categories. It won Silver awards in the Best Feature Story Series (“10 Years of Medical Marijuana” by Kyle Massey and Mark Friedman) Best Beat Reporting – Tech and Innovation (Chloe McGehee) and Best Website (arkansasbusiness.com) categories. The daily newsletter “Arkansas Business Morning Roundup” won Bronze for Best Daily Email.
Published annually since 2010, Greenhead’s mission is to celebrate the sport of duck hunting, honor its timeless tradition and educate hunters on the latest trends in waterfowling. It dives deep into the rich heritage of duck hunting in Arkansas, showcasing the people, places and wildlife that make this area legendary for waterfowl enthusiasts to keep readers informed and inspired.
