Mikki Young, a 20-year-old artist from Fayetteville, has won the 2026 Quail Conservation Stamp competition with her depiction of a northern bobwhite quail. Young’s artwork was selected by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to feature on their annual stamp, a project initiated in 2019 to raise awareness about the conservation of upland bird habitats.
The northern bobwhite quail, once a common sight and sound across Arkansas, is the emblem of this conservation effort. Known for its distinctive “bob-WHITE” call and sudden, noisy flight, the bird symbolizes a suite of ground-nesting birds whose populations have been declining. The commission established the Quail Conservation Stamp to help rekindle public interest and knowledge about these species and their habitats.
Young, a junior in the painting program at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, was encouraged to enter the competition by a friend who spotted the call for entries on Facebook. Despite initially having to research what a quail looks like, Young’s work captured the essence of the northern bobwhite and won the approval of the commission. Her success in the contest highlights both her artistic skill and the importance of the educational mission behind the stamp.
The decline of the northern bobwhite and other ground-nesting birds is a concern not only for conservationists but also for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts across the region. The stamp is both a fundraiser and an awareness tool, drawing attention to the need for habitat preservation. Funds raised through the sale of these stamps are directed towards conservation projects aimed at restoring the habitats that support these species.
Young’s achievement is a testament to the power of art in conservation efforts, bringing attention to a cause that might otherwise go unnoticed by the general public. Her painting will not only be a mark of achievement in her budding career but also a symbol of the ongoing efforts to support and preserve Arkansas’s natural heritage.
For more information on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s conservation initiatives, and how to support them, residents can visit their official website or attend local events aimed at promoting wildlife conservation.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
