Art and photo contest open for DNR hard card licenses

Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 12:09 PM

By Staff report

Hoosiers of all ages can submit their art and photos for a chance to serve as the background artwork for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hard cards for hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses.

Five entries will be selected to be printed on licenses next year.

From July 1–31, Indiana residents are encouraged to submit up to two of their nature and wildlife-themed artworks to DFWcontests@dnr.IN.gov. This year’s categories include Deer, Wild Turkey, Fish, Wildlife (Other), and Indiana Landscapes. All 2-D art mediums (i.e., photography, painting, drawing, graphic design, etc.) are eligible, with the exception of art generated by artificial intelligence. The artist’s name will be credited on the cards.

The full list of contest guidelines is at events.IN.gov/event/2026CardContest.

The new selection of hard card designs will be available in early 2027. The cards are an optional license upgrade for customers. They are $10, weather resistant, list up to seven licenses on the back, and are all customers need to carry while in the field.