The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is accepting original artwork from both professional artists and students for the 2026 Collectible Conservation Stamp Art Contest. The spotlight this year is on the American pika.
The art show's focus is to the variety of species the Wyoming Game and Fish Department manages and encouraging participants to learn more about Wyoming’s wildlife. The American pika, this year’s stamp art contest subject, is one of more than 800 species managed by Game and Fish.
The pika is known for its ability to communicate with other members of their colony and emit high-pitched warning calls to signal potential threats. Despite how loud they are, they are small and range in size from 6.5-8 inches long. Pika are found in alpine and subalpine habitats and are often found in talus fields or rock slide areas near coniferous forests. They are herbivores and cut leaves and plants to create hay piles, which are stored under boulders for winter forage.
“The collectible stamp contest is a highlight for us every year,” said Chris Martin, Game and Fish visual communications supervisor and coordinator of this year’s contest. “We see a lot of talent from both the professionals and students who enter into the show, and we always appreciate the chance to feature Wyoming’s wildlife, including the small and resourceful pika.”
This year’s contest is sponsored by the WYldlife Fund.
“Wyoming’s wildlife inspires and captivates us all. The WYldlife Fund is proud to sponsor the department’s annual art contest, which will celebrate the uniqueness of the small but mighty American pika,” said Chris McBarnes, president of the WYldlife Fund. “We will always appreciate the lengths Game and Fish goes to and the opportunities it offers to connect the people of Wyoming with the wildlife we all celebrate.”
The winning image will be featured on the 2026 collectible conservation stamp. The top five receive a monetary award, including $3,500 for the winner. The winning stamp will be offered as a collectible item, which can be purchased through the Game and Fish Store.
All artwork must be the artist’s original creation and two-dimensional. Photographs, sculptures or other three-dimensional submissions will not be accepted. Entries determined to be biologically inaccurate will be ineligible to win monetary awards, but could earn honorable mention recognition. Entry size is 18-by-24 inches in a horizontal format. Entries can be in color or black and white. The entry fee is $30.
For the third year in a row, Wyoming youth in kindergarten through 12th grade can participate. Last year’s contest drew nearly 300 entries. Entries may be submitted by the student’s art teacher or by the student through an online form. If the artwork is teacher-submitted, students and their teachers will win cash prizes for artwork that earns first through third place. Entries can be in color or black and white but must consist of some form of ink, pencil or paint. For more information about the American pika, listen to the pika episode of the family-friendly podcast from Game and Fish: Furs, Fins and Feathers.
Winning and honorable mention entries for the youth and adult contests will be on display at the Game and Fish’s Cheyenne headquarters for one month. The deadline to submit artwork is Monday, March 31 for adults and Thursday, April 10 for students. Game and Fish will announce the winners and honorable mentions of both contests during an online event on April 25, 2025.
The rulebooks for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s 2026 Collectible Conservation Stamp Art Competition are available online.
– WGFD –
