Minnesota Invites Photos of Wildlife Management Areas for Anniversary Contest

Minnesota residents are invited to share photographs of the state's wildlife management areas as part of a contest celebrating 75 years of wildlife conservation. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced the contest on October 26, and submissions are accepted through January 2, 2027.

Redwood County photographers, hunters, hikers and wildlife watchers can participate by submitting pictures from Minnesota wildlife management areas. Photos might capture wildlife, prairie habitat, outdoor traditions or a favorite quiet place on public land. The contest is specifically about wildlife management areas, rather than every outdoor landscape or park.

Minnesota established its wildlife management area system in 1951. Today, the DNR says the system includes more than 1,500 areas encompassing about 1.4 million acres of habitat and recreation land. Conservation organizations are joining the agency in celebrating the anniversary.

The DNR invites residents to share as many eligible photos as they like and provides the entry information through its website. Anyone interested in finding wildlife management areas can also use the DNR's online WMA finder.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, October 26, 2026 news release. The original announcement links to the contest submission page and wildlife management area information.