Hawaii Wildlife Conservation Stamp Contest 2025 Now Open
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announced the officially open contest for the 2025-26 Wildlife Conservation stamp which bears the title “Game Bird Stamp Art Contest”.
The annual competition allows artistic talent to demonstrate abilities in service of wildlife conservation programs.
About the Wildlife Conservation and Game Bird Stamp
Hawaiʻi issues two special stamps each year:
1. The Game Bird Stamp – Mandatory for those hunting game birds.
2. The Wildlife Conservation Stamp – A requirement for all state hunting licenses.
Funds generated from these stamp sales directly support wildlife populations, habitat restoration, and conservation programs across the islands. white birds in Kauai.
Featured Birds for the 2025-26 Stamps
Game Bird Stamp – Erckel’s Francolin
In 1957 gracinologists released the Erckel’s Francolin (Pternistis erckelii) into Hawaiʻi as a recreational hunting species despite its Ethiopian and Sudanese origins. The ground-dwelling bird makes its home in Hawaiʻi’s upland areas while becoming recognized for its unique vocalizations.
Wildlife Conservation Stamp – Manu-o-Kū (White Tern)
The Manu-o-Kū (Gygis alba) commonly referred to as the White Tern displays its elegance while gliding above Hawaiʻi’s coastal and urban tree areas will be featured for The (WCS) Conservation Stamp.
Artists interested in participating in the contest requires following guidelines:
- Theme: Depict the selected bird in a Hawaiʻi-based habitat.
- Size: Maximum painting dimensions of 24” x 36” (final design will be reduced to a 1” x 1.5” stamp).
- Medium: Oil or acrylic preferred.
- Submission Format: Either an original painting or an 8.5” x 11” photo/print/photocopy of the artwork.
Fees, Prize, and Submission Process
In case artists elect to obtain their artwork personally there is no return shipping fee but artists who require shipping need to pay a $35 fee for original paintings.
The cash prize for the winning entry totals $1,000.
Payments should be made via check to DLNR when submitting original paintings.
Entries can be mailed or delivered to the DLNR Administrative Office.
How Stamp Sales Support Conservation
Revenue from these stamps are used in critical initiatives, including:
- Habitat restoration for native bird species.
- Research and monitoring programs.
- Conservation of endangered and nongame wildlife.
- Sustainable management of hunting programs.
Those who buy these stamps make essential contributions to Hawaiʻi’s present and sustained wildlife preservation programs.
Conclusion
Artist talents can show their ability through the 2025-26 Wildlife Conservation Stamp Contest which supports Hawaiʻi’s diverse wildlife population.
The deadline for entry submissions established April 5th 2025 makes participation possible in this essential project. Individuals who have strong enthusiasm for art conservation must seize this current participation chance.
Danialsaong Lubango National Reserve produces both application forms and further details that you can obtain through their official website or direct office contact.