1-13-2026 9:03pm

Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp Competition

Beth Callahan Editor

WARREN COUNTY, OH– The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is accepting submissions for the Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp art competition through Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. The winner of this year’s competition will have their work featured on the 2027 Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp.

Ohio is proud to be one of the few states that still features hand-painted artwork on the state wetlands stamp (also known as a duck stamp). Artists may choose to depict any of Ohio’s native waterfowl species other than hooded mergansers, bufflehead, or American wigeon, which were featured on the previous three stamps. All artists ages 18 and older who reside in the U.S. are encouraged to enter the competition. The winner will be chosen on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, by a panel of judges with a conservation background. The winner receives a $4,000 service contract.

Design entries may not exceed 18 inches wide by 13 inches high, should be displayed on a single white mat of 2.5 inches width, and be protected by a removable acetate or cellophane cover. All two-dimensional art mediums, other than digital art and photographs, are accepted. For contest rules, including a list of qualifying species, read the Ohio Wildlife Wetlands Stamp Design Contest Rules and Artist Packet at wildohio.gov.

Winners of the most recent Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp contests, and their stamp subjects, were:

2025: Gerald Putt, from Pennsylvania, hooded mergansers
2024: Ray Easton, from New York, bufflehead
2023: Sam Timm, from Wisconsin, American wigeon
2022: Jeffrey Klinefelter, from Indiana, lesser scaup
2021: Sean Johnson, from Ohio, canvasbacks

Established in 1982, Ohio’s duck stamp program is one of the nation’s longest running and most successful. Sales of the Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp have produced more than $11 million for wetland habitat protection and conservation.

The proceeds fund vital wetland projects in Ohio, which are important to many residents and migratory waterfowl species, other wetland birds, and amphibians. Additional proceeds are matched and leveraged to support habitat work in Canada that benefits nesting birds which migrate through Ohio.

Hunters aged 18 and older are required to purchase an Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp to hunt waterfowl or migratory birds in Ohio, and many wildlife enthusiasts voluntarily purchase a stamp. Those looking to support wetland restoration can purchase the Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp for $15 at wildohio.gov.

The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more. ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.