May 28, 2025, 9:30 AM HST

The winning conservation stamp by Patrick Ching portrays a Manu-o-Kū in the forest. (Courtesy: DLNR)

The state Division of Forestry and Wildlife has announced the winners of its 2025–2026 Hawaiʻi Wildlife Conservation and Game Bird Stamp Art Contest.

Patrick Ching was selected as the winner of the conservation stamp category for his painting of the Manu-o-Kū, also known as the white tern or fairy tern.

This native seabird was featured in this year’s contest to coincide with 2025 being proclaimed as the Year of Our Community Forests by Gov. Josh Green, M.D. The Manu-o-Kū uniquely utilizes urban trees and buildings for habitat, breeding, nesting and rearing their young.

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David K. Hayes won the game bird stamp category with his depiction of the Erckel’s Francolin, a species native to East Africa that was introduced to Hawaiʻi in the 1950s for game hunting.

The winning game bird stamp by David K. Hayes features the Erckel’s Francolin, an African game bird introduced to Hawaiʻi in 1957. (Courtesy: DLNR)

The conservation stamp is required on the state of Hawai‘i hunting license, and the game bird hunting stamp is required for those intending to hunt game birds. Funds from sales of these stamps go into the State Wildlife Revolving Fund to support wildlife populations and habitats, and to manage hunting programs in Hawaiʻi.

These two new stamps will be available for the 2025-2026 hunting season.

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Both stamps will be available to wildlife stamp collectors on July 1, 2025, by calling 808-587-0166 or visiting the Division of Forestry and Wildlife office located at 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 325, Honolulu.

To see all 2025-2026 stamp submissions, click here. For information on hunting and purchasing a hunting license or tags, visit outdoor.hawaii.gov/hunting/.