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New Mexico Department of Game and Fish launches student art contest
Submission by Steven Ju (Grade 7-9 Division, Georgia).
New Mexico students in grades K-12 are invited to put down their rod and reel and pick up a pencil or brush for the Art of Conservation New Mexico Fish Art Contest.
Sponsored by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, in conjunction with Wildlife Forever, student artists can compete for first, second and third prizes in four grade categories: K-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12.
Additional awards include:
Invader Crusader Award — Featuring both invasive and native aquatic species from the student’s local area.
Mighty Minnow Award — For kindergarten participants.
New Mexico Native Trout Award — Submissions featuring New Mexico’s unique native trout species (Gila trout or the Rio Grande cutthroat trout).
New Mexico Species of Greatest Conservation Need Award— Artwork featuring fish species identified by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish as being most at risk and in need of proactive conservation.
Outdoor Show Fan Favorite Awards — Awarded to a winner in each grade category based on the votes of attendees at the New Mexico Outdoor Adventures Show from Feb. 13-15 in Albuquerque.
The entry deadline is Jan. 31, 2026, with judging taking place in March. Submissions should be scanned and submitted online. Visit wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/art-of-conservation to submit an entry and for a list of eligible fish species.
