North Dakota Game and Fish opens wildlife photo contest

North Dakota Game and Fish has opened the 2026 Watchable Wildlife Contest, inviting photographers to help create the next state parks license plate theme featuring the North Shore and Lake Superior agate. The contest opened on July 18, with a submission deadline of Oct. 1. Photos can be entered in three categories: non-game species, game species, and plants and insects, with an overall winner selected and additional place winners determined by qualified entries. Submissions are limited to no more than five photos, and images must be taken in North Dakota. By entering, photographers grant permission to publish winning photos in North Dakota OUTDOORS and on the agency’s website and social media. The department also plans activities at the Conservation and Outdoors Skills Park during the State Fair in Minot on July 17–25, with an information center open daily from 1–7 p.m. Separately, Minnesota’s DNR announced application-only special youth deer hunts for ages 12–15 with lead-free ammunition required, plus a community science effort to report ring-necked pheasants and wild turkeys through Aug. 31.