Pup photo contest promotes National Public Lands Month

The Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund launched its fourth annual Pups for Public Lands campaign. The photo contest, hosted throughout September in celebration of National Public Lands Month, intends to inspire Montanans to explore public lands with their canine companions in a responsible way that respects the land and all who use it. 

“Pups for Public Lands is all about celebrating the joy of exploring Montana’s incredible landscapes with our loyal companions,” said Renee Kelley, interim executive director of the MCVEF. “By sharing photos of our dogs, we not only showcase the importance of public lands in our lives but also inspire responsible recreation and stewardship among Montanans.” 

To enter the photo contest, participants must post a picture on Instagram of dogs on Montana public lands, follow and tag @mtvoters, and use the hashtag #pupsforpubliclands. Pups’ names and general location of the photo should also be listed. 

A panel of judges will evaluate entries with rigorous criteria of cuteness, natural setting and doggy attitude. The top three dogs will win grand prizes from local Montana sponsors including Dee-O-Gee Missoula, Toiffer Pet Outfitters, and Dee-O-Gee Kalispell. Nine additional winners will receive Pups for Public Lands bandanas and other giveaways.  

All 12 winning dogs will be featured in and receive a copy of the 2026 Pups for Public Lands Calendar, published by the MCVEF later this year. The calendar will be available for sale to the public in November. 

The contest begins on trailheads around the state where staff will be distributing Pups for Public Lands dog bandanas, stickers and other treats.  

Helena: Tuesday, Sept. 2, Mount Helena Trailhead, 5 - 7 p.m. 

Billings: Thursday, Sept. 4, Norm Schoenthal Island, 5 - 7 p.m. 

Bozeman: Thursday, Sept. 4, Peets Hill/Burke Park, 5 - 7 p.m. 

Whitefish: Thursday, Sept. 4, Lion Mountain Trailhead, 5 - 7 p.m. 

Missoula: Monday, Sept. 8, Blue Mountain Trailhead, 5 - 7 p.m. 

MCVEF is a non-profit, non-partisan organization engaging all Montanans and their communities by empowering them to protect our clean air, clean water, public lands and voting rights through education, mobilization and the power of grassroots advocacy.  

Visit mtvotersedfund.org for more details.