Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp Features Gray Fox Photo
The 2027 stamp will be available for purchase starting March 1 to support local habitat conservation efforts.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Wildlife
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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has named a gray fox photo by Marietta photographer Todd Hawkins as the winner of the 2027 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp competition. The winning image, which focuses on the 2027 contest theme of mammals, was selected from a field of 99 entries.
Why it matters
Sales of the $15 stamp directly fund the Wildlife Diversity Fund and the Southern Wings program, supporting crucial habitat restoration and wildlife research across Ohio. Purchasing these stamps provides a direct way for residents to contribute to the state's conservation efforts.
The winning image was captured in Washington County and will be featured on the $15 stamp available starting in 2027. The competition, which is now in its 18th year, also awarded second and third place to images of a river otter and a red fox, respectively.
The players
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
This state agency manages the conservation and protection of Ohio's natural resources and wildlife populations.
Todd Hawkins
A photographer based in Marietta who took the winning gray fox image in Washington County.
The details
The winning image was selected based on criteria including originality, composition, technical excellence, and overall beauty. Proceeds from the stamps support the state's Wildlife Diversity Fund and the Southern Wings program, which focuses on migratory bird conservation. Once available, these stamps can be purchased through the official state Wildlife Licensing System, the mobile app, or via mail-in forms.
Timeline
March 1, 2027: The 2027 legacy stamp becomes available for public purchase.
The Home Front
The Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp serves as a consistent annual conservation funding mechanism for the state. This winning entry follows the long-standing tradition of using public-facing wildlife photography to support the state's environmental habitat restoration and research goals.
Check the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System or mobile app on March 1, 2027, to purchase your copy of the legacy stamp. Supporting this program is a simple way for local families to directly contribute to ongoing habitat restoration and wildlife research efforts in their area.
The takeaway
The annual legacy stamp contest provides a direct link between local photography and the funding of state conservation programs. Mark your calendar for March 1, 2027, when the new stamp featuring the winning gray fox photo becomes available for purchase.
Further reading
Learn more about local conservation initiatives on the Ohio Wildlife section page.
More information
Access the Ohio wildlife stamp mail-in form to prepare for upcoming stamp releases.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Galion Inquirer.
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