Following is a news release from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. Releases can be found online at www.georgiawildlife.com/news. DNR RSS news feeds: www.gadnr.org

Also follow Wildlife Resources Division through:• Facebook (www.facebook.com/WildlifeResourcesDivisionGADNR )• Twitter (www.twitter.com/GeorgiaWild )• Instagram (www.instagram.com/GeorgiaWildlife )• Blog (www.georgiawildlife.wordpress.com)• YouTube (www.youtube.com/GeorgiaWildlife )• Georgia Wild, a free e-newsletter (www.georgiawildlife.com/news/e-newsletters )

For more information, contact:Melissa Cummings, Communications/Outreach Specialist: 706.557.3326; melissa.cummings@dnr.ga.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CALLING ALL YOUNG ARTISTS: STATE FISH ART CONTEST DEADLINE IS MARCH 31

PERRY, Ga. (February 16, 2016) – Got a young artist residing in your home? Be sure to encourage them to enter the 18th annual Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art contest. This contest is open to kids in Grades K-12 but the deadline for entries is March 31st – and you have to enter to win!

Students across the United States and internationally have the opportunity to win prizes and recognition while learning about state-fish species, behaviors, aquatic habitats, and conservation. Using art, the State-Fish Art Contest ignites children’s imagination while teaching them about fish and fishing.

To enter, young artists create an original illustration of their chosen fish from the official State-Fish List. A personal one-page written essay, story or poem based on its behavior, habitat and/or conservation needs is also required and awarded (not required for participants in K-3rd grade).

Winning contestants from each state, plus Ontario, Canada and international entries, will be honored in four grade categories, K-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. Entries must be postmarked by March 31, 2016. Judging will be held in April and winners announced by Tuesday, May 10, 2016.

The annual State-Fish Art EXPO has been repositioned in 2016 as a mini-EXPO August 5-7 in Huntsville, Alabama during the prestigious Forrest L. Wood (FLW) Cup bass world championship. The Wall of Fame display will showcase the 1st place state-winners and national art/writing winners from across the

nation in the four grade categories. The Seth Thomas Spradlin Best of Show Award winner will be announced on stage during the Cup.

All Georgia Entries are due postmarked by March 31, 2016 at the Go Fish Education Center (1255 Perry Parkway, Perry, GA 31069). For all 2016 details and to view the 2015 winning images, visit www.StateFishArt.org.

About Wildlife Forever (WF)Wildlife Forever’s mission is to conserve America's wildlife heritage through conservation education, preservation of habitat and management of fish and wildlife. For over 27 years members have helped conduct thousands of fish, game and habitat conservation projects across the country. To join or learn more about WF’s award-winning programs, including work to engage America’s youth, visit www.WildlifeForever.org.

The Go Fish Education Center, adjacent to the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, works to inform the public about fisheries and other natural resources through interactive exhibits, classroom programs and public workshops. More information at www.gofisheducationcenter.com .

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