George Montgomery/NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest 2026 (USA)
National Youth Wildlife Art Competition in the United States
The George Montgomery/NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest 2026 gives young artists across the United States an opportunity to showcase their creativity through original wildlife artwork. The competition is open to students in grades 1 through 12, including homeschooled students.
Competition Details
Competition: George Montgomery/NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest 2026
Organizer: National Rifle Association of America (NRA)
Eligibility: 🇺🇸 United States
Eligible students: Grades 1–12
Deadline: October 1, 2026
Entry format: Original physical artwork
Digital art: Not accepted
Photography: Not accepted
Categories
Entries are divided into four grade-level categories:
- Category I: Grades 1–3
- Category II: Grades 4–6
- Category III: Grades 7–9
- Category IV: Grades 10–12
Theme
Artwork must depict a North American game bird or game animal that may be legally hunted or trapped.
Endangered species and non-game animals, such as eagles and snakes, are not eligible subjects.
Accepted Media
The competition accepts original artwork created on surfaces such as paper, cardboard, canvas, or metal. Artists may use traditional materials and tools including brushes, pens, pencils, burn pens, ink, paint, oil, and similar media.
Digital art, photography, and computer-generated artwork are not accepted.
Originality
All artwork must be original and will be subject to an originality verification process.
Artwork that has been traced or copied from a published photograph without permission from the photographer, or from another artist’s work, may be disqualified.
Prizes
The competition offers more than $15,000 in cash prizes.
For each category:
- First Place: $1,500
- Second Place: $1,000
- Third Place: $750
One overall Best in Show winner will also receive:
- $2,000 cash prize
- National exposure through the NRA’s websites and publications
Winning artwork will be featured on the Youth Wildlife Art Contest website and other NRA platforms.
How to Enter
Entries must be submitted as physical artwork by mail. A completed official entry form must accompany each submission.
Deadline: October 1, 2026
Entries must be received by the deadline at the NRA’s headquarters in Virginia.
Official Competition Website
George Montgomery/NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest – Official Website
Important: This is not an international competition. It is a national youth art competition for students in the United States.