The Hawai‘i Wildlife Conservation and Game Bird Stamp art contest is now open for submissions. The contest, announced by the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), invites artists to submit designs for the 2025-26 stamp by April 5. The winner will have their artwork featured on a stamp required for state hunting licenses, with proceeds supporting wildlife and habitat conservation.
According to Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) release on the Office of the Governor's website, the 2025-26 Game Bird Stamp will feature Erckel’s Francolin, a bird introduced to the Hawaiian islands in 1957. The Wildlife Conservation Stamp, which benefits Hawaii’s urban-community forests, will showcase the Manu-o-Kū bird. While the stamps are mandatory for hunters, they are also collectible for those interested in Hawaiian art and environmental preservation.
Artists may submit paintings up to 24” by 36” in size, using only oil or acrylic mediums. The final design will be scaled down to a 1” x 1.5” stamp. Artists can also submit a photo, print, or photocopy of the original painting if they prefer to avoid shipping the artwork.
The winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize, and their design will appear on hunting licenses. The funds raised from the stamp sales will go to the Wildlife Revolving Fund.
