2025 Turkey Stamp Art Contest Winners

JACKSON, MS - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is proud to announce Johnny Granberry of Lexington, Mississippi, as the winner of the Mississippi Wild Turkey Stamp Art Contest. Granberry’s winning design titled “Woodland Suitors” will be featured on the state’s inaugural Wild Turkey Stamp, launching for the 2026 spring turkey season. As part of his recognition, Granberry will receive a monetary prize sponsored by the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, Parks, Marine Foundation and a feature in Mississippi Outdoors magazine.

Winning the 19 to 24 age category is Maddie Walters of Pelahatchie, MS with her art titled “In the Wild.” Winning the 15 to 18 age category is Allie Bullock of New Albany, MS with her art titled “An April Evening.” Both winners will receive a monetary prize sponsored by the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, Parks, Marine Foundation for winning their age categories.

Judging took place on Friday, August 8, 2025, at MDWFP Headquarters in Jackson, where a panel of five judges unanimously selected the artwork that best reflected the vision and requirements of the stamp. Judges included Keri Davis, Owner, Pacesetter Gallery; Bill Kincade, Chairman, House Wildlife Committee; Ben Suber, Chairman, Senate Wildlife Committee; Frank Dantone, President, Mississippi Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation; and Curtis Hopkins, PhD, Southern Region Director, Ducks Unlimited (retired).

"Thank you to every Mississippi artist who submitted artwork," said MDWFP Executive Director Lynn Posey. "A special thank you to our judges who were eager to support this important milestone. They had a tough job selecting from all the remarkable pieces submitted. The Wild Turkey Stamp ensures Mississippi will remain at the forefront of turkey conservation for future generations. We appreciate our legislature, Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, Parks, Marine Foundation, conservation partners, and the public who helped make this happen."

The Wild Turkey Stamp is the result of a multi-year legislative effort by hunters, conservation partners, and land managers and marks a major step forward for conservation. Inspired by the success of the state and federal duck stamps, this initiative provides a dedicated funding stream to support wild turkey populations and the habitats they depend on.