Department of Land and Natural Resources

JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR

DAWN CHANG CHAIRPERSON

HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE CONSERVATION/GAME BIRD STAMP CONTEST OPENS

Wild Pig and California Quail are Themes for the Upcoming Year

 

HONOLULU – Artists are invited to submit entries to the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) for the 2026-27 Hawaiʻi Wildlife Conservation and Game Bird Stamp Art Contest. The wildlife conservation stamp is required for Hawaiʻi state hunting licenses; the game bird stamp is necessary for anyone planning to hunt game birds. Both stamps will also be available for stamp collectors.

• The wildlife conservation stamp will feature the wild pig (Sus scrofa). Hawai‘i’s wild pigs are a blend of Polynesian and Eurasian breeds. Over time, they have become common across the main Hawaiian Islands, thriving in both forested wildlands and areas near human development. They move between forest habitats and residential or agricultural areas in search of food, water and shelter.
• The game bird stamp will feature the California quail (Callipepla californica). Introduced in 1818 as a gift to King Kamehameha, the California quail has become established throughout the Hawaiian Islands. It is a small (9 to 11 inches), plump game bird with gray-brown body feathers and white-creamy chestnut scales on the belly. Males have a black face outlined with white, while females and young birds are overall more brown and lack the facial markings. Look for their distinctive comma-shaped top feather.

 

CONTEST ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 

SETTING: Agricultural, pasture lands, wildland-urban interface 

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 February 23, 2026. Notification of the winner will be made later in March 2026.

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

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

Funds from Hawaiʻi wildlife conservation stamp sales are deposited into the state Wildlife Revolving Fund to support wildlife populations and habitats and to manage the state’s wildlife programs.

Last year, revenues from both stamps were used to maintain hunting units and to enhance game-bird and game-mammal hunting opportunities. Proceeds from the sale of wildlife conservation stamps will also support salaries, the annual lease rental of the Lānaʻi Cooperative Game Management Area, and wildlife diversity programs.

# # #

RESOURCES

(All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

Hunting information and for purchasing a hunting license or tags:  https://outdoor.hawaii.gov/hunting/

More information on the contest and application forms:

DOFAW, 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 325, Honolulu, HI 96813 or at:

https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/files/2025/11/FY26-27-Artist-Application.pdf

# # #

 

Media Contact: 

Patti Jette

Communications Specialist

Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

Email: [email protected]