The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is calling all young artists across the state to showcase their creativity in the 2026 Bob Tyler Fish Hatchery Youth Art contest.
The annual contest invites Mississippi students to create original artwork inspired by the state’s native fish or wildlife species, encouraging kids to explore the outdoors while expressing themselves through art.
The contest is open to students enrolled in public, private, parochial, and accredited home schools, as well as participants in after-school programs and scouting organizations. Each student may submit one hand-created piece of artwork, with photographs allowed only as references. Computer-generated artwork, traced images, and copies of designs will not be accepted.
Entries will be judged in four categories: ages 5-7, 8-11, 12-15, and 16-19.
Completed entries, along with a required entry form, must be submitted to the Visitor Education Center at the Bob Tyler Fish Hatchery by May 10.
Winners from each age group will have their artwork featured in Mississippi Outdoor magazine, receive gift cards, a complimentary copy of the magazine, a certificate, and have their work showcased on the Hatchery’s website.
The contest is sponsored by the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, Marine Foundation. The Visitor Education Center is located at Exit 223 east off Interstate 55 in Enid.
More information, including contest rules and entry forms, can be found on the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks’ website.