The Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has announced the opening of its annual Wildlife Conservation/Game Bird Stamp Contest. The contest, which runs until April 5, 2025, invites artists to submit paintings depicting Hawaiian wildlife.
This year's game bird stamp features the Erckel’s Francolin (Pternistis erckelii), a species native to Ethiopia and Sudan that was introduced to Hawaiʻi in 1957. The bird is known for its distinctive appearance and loud call. It can be found on the islands of Hawaiʻi, Lānaʻi, Oʻahu, and Kaua‘i.
The wildlife conservation stamp will feature the Manu-o-Kū (White “Fairy” Tern) (Gygis alba), a bird that thrives in urban-community forests across Hawaii. These forests are vital as they provide habitats for breeding and nesting. The year 2025 has been designated as the Year of Our Community Forests, highlighting their importance.
Artists entering the contest must depict a setting within Hawaiian habitat using oil or acrylic mediums. Paintings should not exceed dimensions of 24 inches by 36 inches. Entries must include either an original painting or an 8.5 x 11-inch photo/print/photocopy of the artwork.
All submissions require a $35 shipping fee unless only a photo or print is sent without the original painting. Checks should be made payable to DLNR if participants wish their artwork returned by mail.
The winner will receive up to $1,000 as an award. Proceeds from stamp sales support various wildlife programs in Hawaii through the state Wildlife Revolving Fund.
Funds from last year's stamps helped maintain hunting units and expand hunting opportunities for game birds and mammals. They also contributed to salaries, lease rentals for management areas like Lānaʻi Cooperative Game Management Area, and supported wildlife diversity initiatives.
For more information about the contest or application forms, interested parties can contact DOFAW at their Honolulu office or visit their website.