Wyoming Wildlife photo contest winners announced

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has announced and congratulated the winners of Wyoming Wildlife magazine’s annual photo contest. 

According to the Department, photographers of all ages showcased their skills in the 54th annual contest, which received more than 3,000 submissions. The grand-prize winner for best overall photo was titled, “Blossom in the beak,” of a rufous hummingbird from Rob Koelling of Powell, Wyoming. 

“On behalf of the Wyoming Wildlife staff, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the amazing photographers who participated and entered their exceptional photos into this contest,” said Patrick Owen, Wyoming Wildlife creative director. “Our February photo issues are always top-notch publications because of their willingness to share the intimate moments they capture while behind the lens.”

Winners of front and back cover include:

Front cover: Ron Hayes, Douglas, Wyoming, “Spawning brookies.”

​Back cover: Shane Morrison, Colorado Springs, Colorado, “Leaping fox.”

Winners for the Wildlife category include:

First place: Ken Conger, Columbus, Montana, “Mountain goats.”

​Second place: Noah Elm, Kaycee, Wyoming, “Mountain lion.”

Third place: Denise Williamson, Jackson, Wyoming, “Cow and calf moose swimming.”

Winners for the Scenic category include:

First place: Matt Ley, Cheyenne, Wyoming, “Light and dark.”

​Second place: Lance Faulkner, Laramie, Wyoming, “Signs of spring.”

Third place: Matt Ley, Cheyenne, Wyoming, “Resilient.”

Winners for the Recreation category include:

First place: Nick Garcia, Lakewood, Colorado, “Art of retrieval.”

Second place: Thomas Vernon, Casper, Wyoming, “Outdoor escape.”

Third place: Kinley Bollinger, Powell, Wyoming, “Skiing under the stars.”

Winners for the Flora category include:

First place: Nancy Alley, Lander, Wyoming, “Perfect refraction.”

Second place: Matt Ley, Cheyenne, Wyoming, “Dandelion macroverse.”​Third place: Ashley Gibson, Rock Springs, Wyoming, “Forest floor.”