Enter Your Images in the Ohio Division of Wildlife Photo Contest
Do you have the perfect wildlife photo? A picture-perfect shot that makes you laugh, inspires you, depicts the thrill of the chase, or simply shows the beauty of Ohio’s wildlife and habitats? The Ohio Division of Wildlife is seeking photos that display the wonderful wildlife diversity of the state for the first annual wildlife photo contest!
The contest will run from Monday, May 15 until Friday, June 16, 2023. Six categories are available for submissions, including:
Wildlife Watching
Are you an “otter spotter”? Have a photo of a “regal eagle”? This category welcomes images taken by astute wildlife watchers as well as depictions of people in the act of watching wildlife.
Wildlife…Gone Wild!
Ohio’s wildlife is beautiful and charismatic… most of the time. We’re looking for humorous photographs of any native wildlife species that would pair well with clean captions, jokes, or puns.
Pursuit of the Harvest
Most of the time spent hunting comes down to the pursuit and the inevitable waiting game. This category allows the submission of images related to hunting—harvest photos, youth hunting, scenic, using hunting dogs and more. It is also open to more artful shots that show the beauty behind the pursuit including preparing your equipment, setting up your spot, food prepared with wild game, and any other aspect of hunting that seems worth documenting.
Art of Fishing
Is your tackle box packed with colorful lures? Have you admired a fish with shimmering iridescent scales against the background of a warm summer sky? Anglers knows there is an art to the process, and here we are looking for the photographer’s artistic expression of fishing. We’re leaving this category purposefully open so we can accept many interpretations of the theme.
Birds and Birding
This category is for the birds! Submissions can include images of birds (please ID species) as well as photos that show people enjoying their time birdwatching. You can submit songbirds, raptors, migratory birds, waterfowl, ducks, and any other species of birds.
Wildlife in Habitat
Rivers flowing with clear, crisp water; wildflower fields waving in the breeze; rock formations hidden deep in the forest— Ohio’s spectacular landscapes not only provide breathtaking views, but also critically important habitat for wildlife. From big species to small we want to see wildlife interacting with the habitat where they live.
All photos should be of native Ohio species and taken within the state. Images can be recent or from your archives but must be submitted by the original photographer. The contest is open to Ohio residents of all ages. All participants are reminded to use ethical photography practices and limit the use of Photoshop or other editing software.
Winners of each category will be displayed at the Natural Resources Park during the Ohio State Fair. The best-in-show image will be featured in Wild Ohio Magazine.
To enter the contest, click here.
Check back frequently for additional updates. Photo contest questions can be directed to wildlife.social@dnr.ohio.gov.