Sponsored by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, the contest is open to amateur and professional photographers of all ages, except employees of the Wildlife Commission and their immediate families. Entrants must subscribe to the Wildlife in N.C. Magazine or be younger than 18.

Photographs taken since Sept. 15, 2019, are eligible. Categories are birds, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, animal behavior, outdoor recreation, wild landscapes, wild plants and fungi, and youth categories in age divisions 13 to 17 and 12 and under.

Photos of captive native animals are allowed but not photos of captive, non-native animals. Photos of domestic animals participating in an outdoor activity with people are acceptable.

A panel of professional photographers and staff from the Wildlife Commission will judge the entries. In each category, first prize is $100, second is $75 and third is $50. The grand prize-winner receives $200 and his or her photo on the cover of the July/August 2024 issue of the magazine. 

Submit entries online at ncwildlife.org/contest.