Ryan Rickaby Won Oklahoma Waterfowl Stamp Contest
The Wisconsin artist claimed the victory with an acrylic painting of a white-fronted goose.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Hunting
Suamico, Wisconsin resident Ryan Rickaby has won the annual Oklahoma Waterfowl Stamp Design Contest. The competition featured 22 total entries, with Rickaby claiming the top prize for his acrylic painting.
Why it matters
The annual competition generates revenue from stamp sales that directly funds wetland habitat conservation activities across the state. This initiative helps preserve vital ecosystems for migratory birds and other wildlife in Oklahoma.
The contest has been held for 54 years and awards a $1,200 prize to the winner. This year, 22 artworks were submitted, with Oklahoma artists accounting for three of those entries.
The players
Ryan Rickaby
The Suamico, Wisconsin artist is the winner of the 54th annual Oklahoma Waterfowl Stamp Design Contest.
Garrett Jacobs
This artist received the highest number of votes in the contest's public favorite online poll.
The details
The winning entry depicts a white-fronted goose and was selected following three distinct rounds of voting. Additionally, Garrett Jacobs was honored as the winner of the public favorite online poll held during the competition.
Timeline
Ryan Rickaby won the competition on September 29, 2026.
Online registration for the 2028-29 contest opens April 1, 2027.
The winning painting will be featured on the stamp for the 2027-28 season.
Culture Shift
The contest continues a long-standing tradition of using fine art to fund environmental preservation. This event highlights how state-level wildlife agencies leverage traditional art competitions to maintain public engagement in conservation initiatives.
The winning artwork will appear on the state waterfowl stamp for the 2027-28 season. Residents who purchase these stamps will directly contribute to the ongoing efforts to conserve and protect wetland habitats throughout the state.
The takeaway
This contest demonstrates how state agencies effectively combine wildlife art with public participation to secure funding for critical habitats. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to look for the new stamp design in the coming seasons.
What happens next
Online registration for the next iteration of the contest, which will feature the blue-winged teal, is scheduled to open on April 1, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local conservation efforts in our Oklahoma Hunting section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Journal Record.
