Montana FWP accepting submissions for 2026 migratory bird stamp contest
The Western News | UPDATED 5 hours, 5 minutes AGO
Mallard ducks swim in a pond near 5th Street Extension and Libby Creek July 9. (John Blodgett/The Western News)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking submissions for the 2026 Montana Migratory Bird Stamp contest.
New this year, the contest is expanding to waterbird (shorebirds, waterfowl, or wetland dependent passerine) species in its natural habitat setting. The artwork should depict a Montana scene.
The 2026 Montana Migratory Bird Stamp contest will be open through Feb. 27. The Wetlands Protection Advisory Council will select the winning art in March.
Details on contest rules and entry information can be found at https://fwp.mt.gov/migratory-bird-stamp.
The winning artist will receive a $2,000 cash prize and be featured on promotional materials throughout 2026. The prize is organized by Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation (https://mtoutdoorlegacy.org/), which partners with FWP and Montana Audubon on promoting the Migratory Bird Stamp Program and funding wetland conservation.
The purpose of the Montana Migratory Bird Stamp program is to raise awareness of the importance of wetlands for wildlife and aquatic species, along with agriculture operations and communities. Wetlands provide critical ecosystem functions like flood control, groundwater recharge and water purification. FWP’s Migratory Bird Wetland Program helps landowners and other conservation partners develop and fund projects that protect, conserve, enhance or create high-quality wetland habitat.
People who want to support wetland conservation, but do not hunt can still get the 2025 Montana Migratory Bird Stamp sticker sheet by visiting the Montana Audubon website. The money collected from the sale of these sticker sheets goes toward FWP’s wetland conservation efforts.
The 2026 Montana Migratory Bird Stamp will not be required to hunt migratory birds in Montana. To hunt migratory birds, hunters will need a current Montana migratory bird license and their federal duck stamp, the same as in years past.
Those who purchase a Montana migratory bird license will receive a free collectable sticker sheet showing the winning artwork, information about the Migratory Bird Wetland Program and information about how to make additional contributions.
Purchasing a Montana migratory bird license is a great way to support wetland habitat conservation. FWP will work with Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation and other partners to provide other ways to help support wetlands conservation. More information will be provided on donation opportunities in the coming months.
For more information on the contest, contact Greg Lemon at [email protected]. For more information on the Migratory Bird Wetland Program, click https://fwp.mt.gov/migratory-bird-stamp.