The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks’ (MDWFP) Bob Tyler Fish Hatchery’s Visitor Education Center (VEC) was recognized by The Art of Conservation and Wildlife Forever for its partnership in the 2025 Fish Art Contest. This recognition highlights the VEC’s role in inspiring young artists and shaping the next generation of stewards for our aquatic resources.
Continuing this mission, the Bob Tyler Fish Hatchery VEC will once again serve as the host site for the Wildlife Forever 2026 Fish Art and Creative Writing Competition. The competition invites youth in grades K–12 to showcase their creativity and passion for conservation.
Each entry must include:
- A completed entry form (Grades K–12)
- An original artwork submission (Grades K–12)
- A creative writing submission (Grades 4–12)
The deadline to apply is February 28, 2026. First place winners will receive a free field trip for their class to MDWFP’s Bob Tyler Fish Hatchery VEC. Winners will be announced on the MDWFP website and will advance to Wildlife Forever’s national competition. This competition is hosted in conjunction with the annual youth wildlife art contest sponsored by the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, Parks, Marine Foundation.
For full guidelines and submission details, visit: www.mdwfp.com/fishing-boating/wildlife-forever-art-and-essay-competition
Fishing and Boating