The state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife is seeking entries in an art contest to depict hunters during a hunt for game birds and mammals for its 2017-18 Hawaii Wildlife Conservation and Game Bird Stamp.

The conservation stamp is required on the state hunting license and the game bird hunting stamp is required for those intending to hunt game birds. Both stamps (differing slightly in text) will be available to wildlife stamp collectors.

"Hunter recruitment and retention are extremely important in today's world. In general, the numbers of hunters are decreasing worldwide and the younger generations are becoming less interested in hunting," said Dr. Shaya Honarvar, DOFAW game program coordinator. "In this new stamp we would like to portray that hunting can be a great activity for the whole family and it is for everyone. We hope to encourage families, men, women and youth hunters to get out in the field, hunt and continue the hunting traditions."

Following are requirements for entries in this year's contest.

• Subject: Hunters (youth/adult, male/female) with or without dogs hunting game birds; hunters (youth/adult, male/female) with or without dogs hunting game mammals.

• Setting: Hawaii habitat.

• Size: Completed painting with a maximum of 24-by-36-inch and unframed (to be reduced to 1-1 1/2-inch stamp).

• Medium: Oil or acrylic.

• Entry: Completed oil or acrylic painting or an 8 1/2-by-11-inch photo/print/photocopy of a completed painting.

• Deadline: All entries must be received by Jan. 20, 2017. Notification of the winner will be made Feb. 31, 2017.

• Shipping fee: All paintings sent must be accompanied by a $35 fee, to cover the cost of returning artwork. If a check is not included you will need to come to the DOFAW administration office to pick up your artwork. Checks should be made payable to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Otherwise, a photo, print, or photocopy of an original painting can be sent with no fee (see application form).

• Payments: The winner will receive a maximum award of $1,000.

Funds from sales of the Hawaii wildlife conservation stamps go into the state Wildlife Revolving Fund to support wildlife populations and habitat, and to manage hunting in the state. Activities and projects supported by this fund have included surveys of game bird and mammal populations; land leasing for hunting; predator control; and maintenance of wildlife watering units. In addition, planting of native shrubs and trees, controlled burns, removal of invasive plants, and other wildlife habitat improvement and restoration projects are supported by these funds.

Questions regarding the contest and application submission may be e-mailed to Jason.D.Omick@hawaii.gov. For all phone inquiries, call 587-4159.