Ohio wildlife photo contest seeks entries in 6 categories

The Ohio wildlife photo contest is accepting entries in six categories through May 31.

Wildlife watching: This category welcomes wildlife observations anywhere people live, work and play. Submit photos of wildlife sightings or people watching wildlife.

Art of fishing

Anglers know there is an art to casting a line. This category highlights the artistic side of fishing, from tying the perfect fly and appreciating the beauty of the water to reeling in a keeper.

Pursuit of the harvest: Much of hunting involves the pursuit and the waiting game. This category is for submissions related to hunting, from preparation to a successful hunt.

Birds and birding

This category is for the birds. Submissions may include images of birds as well as photos showing people enjoying birdwatching.

America 250 Wildlife Edition

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, this category seeks photos of animals that have made conservation comebacks in Ohio. Entries may include any animal that once nearly or completely disappeared from the state but now has a healthy or growing population. Examples include white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bald eagles, river otters, black bears, bobcats, osprey and trumpeter swans.

Landscapes and wildlife

Healthy habitats are the cornerstone of thriving wildlife populations. This category seeks photos that highlight the relationship between wildlife and the places they live. Photos may show wildlife interacting with their surroundings or the habitats themselves.

Photos should be submitted in jpg format and be at least 1 MB in size and 300 dpi. Organizers cannot access photos submitted through Google Drive. Photos may be recent or from an archive, but they must have been taken in Ohio. Photos should be submitted by the original photographer or a representative with full copyrights. Use of Photoshop or other editing software should be limited.

Enter online at ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/wildlife/wildlife-art-and-photo-contests/photo-contest-redirect.

An overall Best in Show winner will be selected along with winners in each of the six categories. Winning photos will be displayed in the Natural Resources Park at the Ohio State Fair from July 29-Aug. 9. Winning photographers will receive one free day pass to the fair to view their photo on display.

Winners also will receive a one-year subscription to Wild Ohio Magazine and a Division of Wildlife swag bag.

The Best in Show winner will be highlighted in Wild Ohio Magazine. Images also may be featured in the Wild Ohio Magazine calendar, the hunting and fishing regulations digest and other print publications, along with the Division of Wildlife’s social media channels.

Multiple photos may be entered in the contest, but each photo must be submitted using a separate entry form.

Photographers retain all legal rights to their photos. By entering, they give the Ohio Division of Wildlife permission to use the photos on its website, social media platforms and other digital and printed materials. Credit will always be given to the photographer.

Photo contest questions can be directed to wildlifephotos@dnr.ohio.gov.