Madison Reporter

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the winners of the 2026 stamp design contest for wild turkey, pheasant, and waterfowl. The winning artwork will appear on the next series of these stamps, which are used by hunters and conservation supporters across the state.

Artists from around Wisconsin submitted their entries for judging at an event held on August 23 during the Wisconsin Waterfowl Expo in Oshkosh. Sam Timm, a resident of Wautoma, won first place in both the wild turkey and waterfowl categories. Caleb Metrich from Tomahawk was awarded first place in the pheasant category.

Judging for this year’s contest was conducted by Tally Hamilton, a regional biologist with Ducks Unlimited; Mark Kakatsch, vice president of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation; and Pat Gregory, a professional decoy carver.

According to the DNR, hunters must purchase these stamps as part of their license requirements to hunt wild turkey, pheasant, or waterfowl. However, anyone interested in supporting conservation efforts can also buy these stamps. The sales generate significant funding each year that supports wildlife management throughout Wisconsin. These funds are directed toward habitat management and restoration as well as education and research projects related to grassland, wetland, and forest species.

The DNR notes that when customers purchase hunting licenses for wild turkey, pheasant or waterfowl, an electronic “stamp approval” is printed directly on their license. Physical copies of stamps are only provided upon request. Those interested in obtaining a collectible version can do so through the DNR’s Collector Stamps webpage or by visiting any open Service Center (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/stamps.html).

Additional information about wildlife stamps in Wisconsin is available in the fall issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.

"Many talented artists from around Wisconsin submitted artwork for judging, which took place on Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Wisconsin Waterfowl Expo in Oshkosh."

"Wautoma resident Sam Timm took first place in this year's wild turkey and waterfowl design contests. Caleb Metrich of Tomahawk took first place in the pheasant design contest."

"This year's judges were Tally Hamilton, Ducks Unlimited regional biologist; Mark Kakatsch, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation vice president; and Pat Gregory, a professional decoy carver."

"While hunters are required to purchase stamps to harvest these game birds, anyone interested in supporting grassland, wetland and forest management activities may purchase a stamp to support conservation in Wisconsin. Sales of these three stamps bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for species management throughout the state, including habitat management, restoration, education and research projects."

"Please note that an electronic 'stamp approval' is printed on the licenses of wild turkey, pheasant and waterfowl hunters at the time of purchase. Customers will not receive an actual stamp except upon request. To get a physical copy of a stamp, visit the DNR's Collector Stamps webpage or go to any open Service Center."

"Read more about Wisconsin's wildlife stamps in the fall issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine."