States are Getting Hooked on The Fish Art Contest®

White Bear Lake, MN – Wildlife Forever is thrilled to announce the expansion of the Art of Conservation® Fish Art Contest with new state hosted programs. California, Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, and Tennessee join the school of state programs signing up to promote youth angling and conservation through the arts. 

“The addition of state hosts greatly expands the Fish Art Contest’s reach and impact. It’s inspiring to see students learn about fish and the environment through community programs that contribute to a broader effort for conservation,” said Veronica Mangio, Marketing & Communications Manager at Wildlife Forever.

A network of growing state programs helps schools and educators connect youth to the outdoors and conservation organizations. These partnerships make it possible for youth to participate in their State Fish Art Contest where students can win state honors and even compete at top national levels.  Winning students receive awards and prizes from sponsors such as Bass Pro Shops, International Game Fish Association, Guy Harvey Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, Rapala and the National Fish Habitat Partnership.

Since its inception in 1997, the Fish Art Contest has inspired more than 85,000 youth across 46 countries to explore the wonders of aquatic ecosystems. The addition of state hosted contests strengthens this global program by fostering local engagement and learning.

State hosted contests include:

• Alaska: Hosted by the U.S. Forest Service

• California: Hosted by Coleman National Fish Hatchery

• Washington, D.C.: Hosted by Department of Energy & Environment

• Florida: Hosted by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

• Georgia: Hosted by GoFish Education Center

• Guam: Hosted by Guam Department of Agriculture

• Illinois: Hosted by Illinois Conservation Foundation

• Iowa: Hosted by Iowa Department of Natural Resources

• Minnesota: Hosted by Minnesota Conservation Volunteer

• Missouri: Hosted by Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

• Mississippi: Hosted by Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks

• Nebraska: Hosted by Nebraska Game and Parks

• Tennessee: Hosted by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

• Texas: Hosted by Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center

• Vermont: Hosted by Vermont Fish & Wildlife

State contests often highlight specific fish species that are ecologically or culturally significant to the area. State hosts can identify these species, encouraging students to focus on their unique local habitats and conservation needs.

Want to start a Fish Art Contest in your state?  Contact Veronica Mangio at vmangio@wildlifeforever.org to learn more.

The contest is open now until Feb. 28, 2025