The Intersection of Art and Conservation: Magnolia State Wild Turkey Stamp Art Contest Winners Recently Announced
The National Wild Turkey Federation and conservationists across Mississippi recently celebrated the successful passage of the Mississippi Wild Turkey Stamp legislation.
Gov. Tate Reeves signed Senate Bill 2280 into law earlier this year, establishing a dedicated funding source for wild turkey habitat, management and research in Mississippi. While the new law has conservationists and turkey hunters excited, it has also inspired wildlife artists in the Magnolia State.
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks announced Johnny Granberry of Lexington, Mississippi, as the winner of the Mississippi Wild Turkey Stamp Art Contest. Granberry’s winning design, titled “Woodland Suitors,” will be featured on the state’s inaugural Wild Turkey Stamp, launching for the 2026 spring turkey season.
Maddie Walters of Pelahatchie, Mississippi won the 19 to 24 age category with her art titled “In the Wild.”
Allie Bullock of New Albany, Mississippi, won the 15 to 18 age category is with her art titled “An April Evening.”
Judging took place in August at the MDWFP headquarters in Jackson, where a panel of five judges unanimously selected the artwork that best reflected the vision and requirements of the stamp. Judges included Keri Davis, Pacesetter Gallery owner; Bill Kincade, House Wildlife Committee chairman; Ben Suber, Senate Wildlife Committee chairman; Frank Dantone, Mississippi NWTF State Chapter president; and Curtis Hopkins, Ph.D.
The effort to establish a Wild Turkey Stamp began in 2022, when the MDWFP, in partnership with the Mississippi NWTF State Chapter, organized the inaugural Wild Turkey Summit in Jackson. The summit brought together respected outdoorsmen and women, industry leaders and conservation professionals who shared growing concerns about the future of wild turkeys in Mississippi. Through collaborative discussions, two major priorities emerged: improving the ability to track turkey hunting participation and creating a dedicated funding source for habitat and management projects. These insights served as the catalyst for the Wild Turkey Stamp.