Photography enthusiasts across Wyoming have just days remaining to submit their entries for the Wyoming Wildlife magazine's highly anticipated annual Photo Contest. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is urging photographers to act quickly, as the submission deadline is set for 11:59 p.m. on Monday, November 17.
The competition allows photographers to showcase their work across four distinct categories, with participants able to submit up to 10 photographs total. The Wildlife category seeks captivating images of wild mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and arthropods, with special priority given to species that are actively managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. This category offers photographers the chance to highlight the state's diverse animal population and conservation efforts.
The contest also features three additional categories to capture Wyoming's natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle. The Scenic category focuses on images where landmarks, natural scenery, or other inanimate objects take center stage, allowing photographers to showcase the state's breathtaking landscapes. Meanwhile, the Recreation category celebrates Wyoming's outdoor culture by featuring photographs of people actively enjoying activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, backpacking, and other outdoor recreational pursuits.
Rounding out the competition is the Flora category, which invites submissions featuring wildflowers, foliage, fruiting bodies, and other distinctive parts of plants native to Wyoming's diverse ecosystems. This category provides an opportunity to highlight the state's botanical diversity and seasonal changes throughout the year.
Winning photographs from all categories will receive the honor of being published in the special February 2026 photo issue of Wyoming Wildlife magazine. The judging process is scheduled to begin on December 1, giving the panel sufficient time to review all submissions thoroughly. Contest winners will be notified by the end of December, allowing them time to prepare for the February publication.
Photographers with questions about submission requirements, technical specifications, or other contest details can contact Patrick Owen, who serves as both the Game and Fish photo contest coordinator and Wyoming Wildlife's creative director. Owen can be reached at (307) 777-4547 or via email at patrick.owen@wyo.gov for any clarifications or assistance needed before the Monday deadline.
