History
The Idaho Wildlife license plates have a long and storied past. The plates were originally developed in the early 1990s as a source of essential funding for Idaho’s wildlife diversity programs. Those programs focus on the great diversity of species in Idaho. Contributions are used to ensure the conservation and management of nongame wildlife, rare plants and their habitats. They also help promote greater awareness of and appreciation for species that aren’t hunted, fished, or trapped, and increase opportunities to view and enjoy “watchable” wildlife. Donations are used for a variety of projects including studies of rare animals, educational programs and community projects, development of wildlife viewing sites throughout the state, informational brochures and a nongame wildlife newspaper series available to the public and used by teachers.
Legacy of the plates
With the help of Idahoans, the sponsorship of the Idaho Fish & Wildlife Foundation, a dedicated committee and hundreds of volunteers throughout the state, a successful Idaho Wildlife license plate program was established by state statute. The first Idaho Wildlife license plate, the “Bluebird” plate, became available in 1993. The “Elk” plate was issued in 1998 (updated 2014-15), and the “Cutthroat Trout” plate was issued in 2003 (updated 2015).
Why we created the contest
We created the latest contest to both honor the past and celebrate the future. While we loved the previous designs, we felt like it was time for a refresh. Our hope is that the new designs, created by local Idaho artists, will keep the plight of Idaho’s wildlife top of mind for residents of the state for years to come.
Winners
Bluebird & Trout Winner – Stephen Clark
Stephen Clark is an artist from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where he has lived for nearly 25 years. Through his art, he enjoys capturing the spirit of wildlife and sharing it with others. The trout and bluebird are two of his favorites. An avid fly fisherman and outdoorsman, Stephen enjoys discovering nature’s beauty with family and friends.
Elk Winner – Courtney Cunningham
Cunningham, a longtime resident of Southern Idaho, captured the majesty of Idaho’s Rocky Mountain elk with her award-winning design. From the 10,000-foot peaks to the barren deserts, few encounters are as incredible as witnessing the majesty of Rocky Mountain elk. She captured this in her wildlife plate design, not only to honor the elk in the traditional sense of the high mountains but also among the rimrock and sagebrush hills across the southern half of our state.
