Due to storm damage and temporary closing of the Neal Smith NWR Visitor Center, the Friends have once again partnered with the Prairie City Public Library to continue this year’s photo contest!

Have you taken some great photos when visiting the Refuge? To celebrate the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and the beauty of nature, we invite all photographers to enter the 2025 Photography Contest.

Categories (Each separate Adult and Youth)

• Bison / Elk (Bison and Elk)

• Birds & Other Wildlife (Birds and other wildlife, i.e. rabbits, frogs, gophers )

• Plants & Pollinators (Flowers, Plants, Bees, Insects, Butterflies)

• Refuge Life (People enjoying the Refuge)

• Landscapes

• Youth - anyone under the age of 18 (All youth photos will be judged in one category)

• Rules

• All images must be taken within the borders of the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge.

• Photographs in all categories may be taken with a camera or smartphone

• Adults may enter up to five photographs per person, with no more than three per category.

• Youth may enter up to five photographs in the Youth Category. A youth is considered anyone under the age of 18.

• Invasive species cannot be the main subject of the image.

• The Photo Contest is about the art of photography and is not about photo editing. With that in mind, basic photo editing is acceptable. Artificial Intelligence-generated photos or photos containing Artificial intelligence-generated items will not be permitted.

• All photos must be in focus, with no watermark or other markings present on the image.

• All photos must be 8x10, mounted on a minimum 1/8”thick styrene or foam core.

• No more than one entry per category/person.

• Images may be in color or black and white.

• Any image containing a recognizable face of a person, regardless of age, must have a USFWS Use of Likeness form completed and signed by that person or their guardian. Download and complete the form and bring it with you when submitting the photograph.

• Images must be taken by/property of the photographer entering them into the contest. If the photographer is under the age of 18 a parent’s or guardian’s contact information must be submitted on the entry form.

• A USFWS Copyright Release Form must be completed to complete the entry process. This form will be available at the Refuge and will be completed as part of your turn in process.

• Entries must have a completed, legible entry form label attached to the back with no adhesive exposed that could damage other entries.

• All photos will be handled with care, however, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Friends of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge are NOT responsible for any loss or damage.

• Any entry that that violates any of the above rules will be deemed ineligible for judging.

Questions? Contact:

Photo Contest Coordinator