The Hawaiʻi Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has announced the opening of its 2026-27 Wildlife Conservation and Game Bird Stamp Art Contest. The contest invites artists to submit original paintings, with the winning entry featured on stamps required for state hunting licenses and game bird hunting in Hawaiʻi. These stamps are also available to collectors.
According to DOFAW, submitted artwork should depict agricultural, pasture lands, or wildland-urban interface settings. Paintings must not exceed 24 by 36 inches and should be unframed, as the winning design will be reduced to stamp size. Oil or acrylic mediums are preferred. Entries can be either completed paintings or an 8.5 by 11-inch photo, print, or photocopy of a finished painting.
All entries must be received by February 23, 2026. Notification of the winner is expected in March 2026. A $35 shipping fee is required for artwork submissions that need to be returned; however, this fee does not apply if a photo or print is submitted instead. The winner will receive up to $1,000.
Funds raised from the sale of wildlife conservation stamps are directed into the state’s Wildlife Revolving Fund, which supports wildlife populations and habitats as well as management programs across Hawaiʻi. Last year’s revenues were used for maintaining hunting units and enhancing opportunities for game-bird and game-mammal hunting. Proceeds also contribute toward staff salaries, lease rentals such as the Lānaʻi Cooperative Game Management Area, and various wildlife diversity initiatives.
Additional information about hunting in Hawaiʻi can be found at https://outdoor.hawaii.gov/hunting/. Details on contest requirements and application forms are available through DOFAW offices or online at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/files/2025/11/FY26-27-Artist-Application.pdf.
