Artists are invited to submit entries to the 2024-25 Hawai‘i Wildlife Conservation and Game Bird Stamp art contest.

The wildlife conservation stamp is a requirement for Hawai‘i state hunting licensees, while the game bird stamp is required for anyone intending to hunt game birds.

The Game Bird Stamp will feature the Melanistic Mutant (blue) Pheasant (Phasianus colchius) which are located on the islands of O‘ahu, Hawaiʻi, and Kaua‘i.

The Wildlife Conservation Stamp will feature a Hawaiian Forest Bird. 2024 is the year of Ka Makahiki o Nā Manu Nahele which only exist on the Hawaiian islands. These birds have critical ecological roles as Hawaiian forest pollinators, seed dispersers, and insect managers.

Contest entry requirements are as follows:

SETTING: Hawai‘i Habitat

SIZE: Completed painting with a maximum of 24” by 36” and unframed (to be reduced to 1” X 1.5” stamp)

MEDIUM: Oil or acrylic preferred

ENTRY: Completed oil or acrylic painting or an 8.5” X 11” photo/print/photocopy of a completed painting

DEADLINE: All entries must be received by March 15, 2024. Notification of the winner will be made later in March.

SHIPPING FEE: All paintings sent must be accompanied by a $35.00 fee to cover the cost of returning artwork. You must come to the Administration office to pick up your artwork if a check is not included. Checks are to be made payable to the DLNR. Otherwise, a photo, print, or photocopy of an original painting may be sent without fee (see application form).

PAYMENTS: The winner will receive a maximum award of $1,000.

Funds from Hawai‘i Wildlife Conservation Stamp sales go into the state Wildlife Revolving Fund to support wildlife populations and habitats and to manage the state’s hunting and non-game programs. Last year, revenues from both stamps were used to cover some of the costs of maintaining hunting units and to add game bird and game mammal hunting opportunities where possible. Proceeds from the sale of wildlife conservation stamps will also provide funds for salaries, the annual lease rental of the Lānaʻi Cooperative Game Management Area, and support wildlife diversity programs.

 

Photo credit: DOFAW