INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has officially opened submissions for its annual hard card license design contest. Hoosiers are invited to submit their original, nature-themed artwork and photography to serve as the background designs for next year’s durable sporting licenses.
Hard cards are an optional, weather-resistant upgrade available to Indiana outdoor enthusiasts for $10. These durable plastic cards can list up to seven individual hunting, fishing, or trapping licenses on the back, serving as a rugged, all-in-one alternative to carrying traditional paper licenses while out in the field.
Contest Categories and Guidelines
The submission window will be open from July 1 through July 31, 2026. Indiana residents of all skill levels are encouraged to submit up to two original pieces of art.
To celebrate Indiana’s diverse natural habitats, the DNR has established five specific entry categories for this year’s contest:
- Deer
- Wild Turkey
- Fish
- Wildlife (Other)
- Indiana Landscapes
Eligible submissions include all two-dimensional art media, such as digital photography, acrylic or oil paintings, colored pencil drawings, and digital graphic design.
All submissions must be completely original. The DNR has stated that any artwork generated by or supplemented with artificial intelligence (AI) will be strictly disqualified from the competition.
Selection and Availability
A panel will select exactly one winning design from each of the five categories. The five selected artists will receive direct name credit printed on the final cards, showcasing their work to thousands of outdoor enthusiasts across the state.
The winning designs will be integrated into the state’s licensing system and will become available for public purchase as the official hard card backgrounds in early 2027.
How to Enter
Submissions must be sent via email to DFWcontests@dnr.IN.gov during the month of July. High-resolution digital files are recommended to ensure print quality on the physical cards.
For complete technical specifications, image dimensions, and official contest entry rules, participants can visit the Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife’s specialized portal through the main DNR website at dnr.IN.gov.
