Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is inviting artists from across the country to submit their entries for the 2025 Montana Migratory Bird Stamp contest. Now in its second year, the program has already garnered significant interest from the art community, with over 70 submissions in its inaugural year.

In 2024, Florida-based artist John Nelson Harris won the contest with a stunning painting of a pintail duck. The contest, which serves as a platform to raise awareness about wetland conservation, continues to grow in popularity.

"We’re excited to see the interest this contest has with artists," said FWP Director Dustin Temple. "We will continue to use the Montana Migratory Bird Stamp as a tool to generate awareness in the importance of wetland conservation and restoration around the state."

The contest is open for submissions until January 31, 2025, with the Wetlands Protection Advisory Council set to select the winning artwork in early February. The winning artist will receive a $2,000 cash prize, along with the opportunity to have their artwork featured on promotional materials throughout the year.

Wetlands play a vital role in Montana's ecosystem, providing essential habitats for wildlife, aiding in flood control, groundwater recharge, and water purification. FWP’s Migratory Bird Wetland Program partners with landowners and conservation groups to fund projects aimed at protecting, conserving, and enhancing wetland habitats across the state.

While the Montana Migratory Bird Stamp is not required to hunt migratory birds, hunters who purchase a Montana migratory bird license will receive a free collectible sticker featuring the winning artwork. The purchase of the license supports wetland habitat conservation, and additional donation opportunities will be announced in the coming months.

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For contest details or information on the Migratory Bird Wetland Program, interested individuals can contact Greg Lemon at glemon@mt.gov..

The Deadliest 10 Miles In South Dakota

In South Dakota we are the fourth safest state, averaging only 5.5 deaths on our most dangerous highway overall, U.S. 18.

U.S. Highway 18 runs the length of South Dakota from Wyoming to Iowa across the southern part of the state. It runs through Edgemont in the west, then through Hot Springs, the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations, Winner, and over Fort Randall Dam. It passes through Canton in the Sioux Empire before it crosses the Big Sioux into Iowa.

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns

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