The deadline is nearing for the 36th annual Wyoming Game and Fish Department Conservation Stamp Art Show. All entries must be received by March 1, 2019 at the Game and Fish office in Cheyenne. The subject of the show is the Colorado River cutthroat trout, and the winning image will be featured on the 2020 conservation stamp.

“We’re looking forward to another year of competitive, compelling submissions,” said Margaret James, Game and Fish contest organizer. “What is really exciting about this competition is the variety of work we get to see in the entries. Even though the they all portray the same subject, no two entries are alike. Each artist has his or her interpretation.” 

In order to recognize the depth of the high quality of entries, monetary prizes will be given for first through fifth place, and judges can award up to ten Honorable Mentions. Artists also have the opportunity to enter up to two entries into the contest.

The Colorado River cutthroat trout is one of four cutthroat trout species native to Wyoming. This species is the only trout originally found in the Green River and Little Snake river drainages. It’s the most colorful of all the cutthroat, distinguished from other subspecies by its vibrancy and large spots. The Colorado River cutthroat has a bright, golden-yellow body with an orange tint along the belly and bright green back with large spots distributed evenly on the body and caudal fin and a red or orange slash mark under its jaw. 

It’s been 12 years since a trout was the subject of the stamp. The last was the Yellowstone cutthroat trout, featured in 2006. Almost all hunters and anglers must purchase a Wyoming conservation stamp, and many collectors and supporters of wildlife also purchase the stamps. Funds from the sale of conservation stamps are used to support wildlife projects.

The complete Conservation Art Stamp Contest rulebook is available on the Game and Fish website. An open house and awards ceremony to announce the winners will take place Friday, March 29 in Cheyenne.