Application available from June 2, 2025 - July 21, 2025

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is proud to announce the inaugural Mississippi Wild Turkey Stamp Art Contest, an exciting opportunity for artists to showcase their talent while supporting conservation. The winning artwork will be featured on the state’s first-ever Mississippi Wild Turkey Stamp, issued to hunters who purchase the new Wild Turkey Stamp as part of their hunting license. 

Proceeds from the Wild Turkey Stamp fund critical conservation efforts, including habitat management, restoration projects, and research initiatives that benefit wild turkey populations statewide.

Open statewide, the contest invites submissions that depict the Eastern Wild Turkey(s) (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) in a natural, Mississippi setting. The selected artwork will be used on the stamp and in promotional materials and commemorative items. This initiative blends art and conservation to raise awareness and funding for one of Mississippi’s most iconic game birds.

See Judging Criteria below. This contest is only for Mississippi Residents. 

Who can submit artwork: 

We welcome submissions from Mississippi residents. There will be three age categories, but only one design will be selected to be displayed on the stamp.

Age categories:

  • 15 to 18

  • 19 to 24

  • 25 and up

Where do I submit my artwork? 

  • All artists may submit their art via mail or in-person drop off locations.

  • Submissions must be in a 9" X 12" envelope. 
     - Package carefully with posterboard or foam core board

  • Entry Form must be completed and with artwork.
    *There is no opportunity for electronic submissions available. 
    2025 MDWFP Turkey Stamp Art Entry Form

Mail: 

MDWFP
ATTN: Turkey Stamp Art Contest
1505 Eastover Drive, Jackson, MS 39211

In-person drop off locations:

  • MDWFP Jackson Headquarters – 1505 Eastover Drive, Jackson, MS 39211

  • MDWFP North Region Office – 457 County Road, Enid, MS 38927

  • MDWFP North Region Tupelo Office – 272 County Road 995, Tupelo, MS 38804

  • MDWFP Central Region Office – 506 Hwy 43 South, Canton, MS 39046

  • MDWFP South Region Office – 1201 North Clark Ave., Magnolia, MS 39652

 

Judging Criteria:
A selected panel of judges will review all artwork submitted within the appropriate timeline and determine the winning design based on a few key factors:

Whether the artwork depicts live Eastern Wild Turkey(s) (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) accurately based on anatomy and biology, also aligning with the season you choose to depict.

Whether the submitted artwork will reduce well to the required print size for the stamp
What to expect if you win:
The artist will receive publicity and media recognition through MDWFP’s social media channels, email blasts to license holders, and a spotlight in the Mississippi Outdoors Magazine.

Each age category winner will receive a $500 gift card.

One overall winner will be selected from the category winners to receive an additional $500—bringing their total prize to $1,000—and will have their artwork featured on the official Mississippi Wild Turkey Stamp. 

Other Important Information:

What are the art contest specs and requirements?

The Wild Turkey Stamp will be a two-dimensional design. There is no limitation on art medium, however sculptures, artificially generated imagery, or photography will not be accepted for this contest.

We ask artists to depict scenes of Eastern Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) in their natural habitats, and to keep in mind that the design will be reduced to the size of a stamp similar to postage stamps used for mail. The stamp size is about 1.75” W x 1.5” H. We also ask that you refrain from using any wording or numbers within your design.

What are the procedures for entry?

Art must be submitted within the competition window: June 2, 2025 to July 21, 2025.

  • Individual artists may submit only one entry
  • The entry must be sized at 11” w x 8.5” h
  • Along with the art, artists must submit a completed registration form within a 9" x 12" envelope. Package carefully.
  • If under 18, artist must have a signed agreement by parent or legal guardian.
Will I be able to get my artwork back after the judging?

Yes. Art will be redistributed to the above drop off locations following the competition if you desire to pick up your artwork. Art must be picked up by September 1, 2025. MDWFP is no longer obligated to keep artwork after the September 1 deadline.