ANNAPOLIS, MD—A striking image of a retriever carrying a canvasback duck, captured by Josh Montgomery of Anne Arundel County, has been named the winner of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Inaugural Waterfowl Photo Contest. The winning photograph will be featured on a new hard-card license offered through the MD Outdoors licensing and registration system, and in the 2026 Maryland Natural Resource Calendar.
“Congratulations to our winner and all participants. We had a fantastic group of entries depicting many scenes and species,” said Karina Stonesifer, DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service Director. “This iconic image is a great way to introduce our new licensing system and the hard cards that are available for collection.”
Montgomery captured the winning shot in Anne Arundel County during a hunting trip with his dog, River.
“Hunting is my passion and I enjoy sharing it through the camera,” Montgomery said. “In the moment I was able to capture River happily doing her job retrieving bird after bird from the icy waters and one epic experience that we won’t soon forget.”
This year’s waterfowl photo contest was a standalone event. Going forward, waterfowl photography will be integrated into the DNR’s annual photo contest, with winning images selected each fall alongside other categories. The general DNR Photo Contest is currently accepting entries until Aug. 1.
Maryland hunting and fishing license holders will soon be able to purchase a collectible, limited-edition hard card of their license featuring Montgomery’s winning image, among others, through MD Outdoors. The 2026 calendar, which will also include the photo, is expected to be available for purchase in the fall.
Hunters and anglers can acquire their licenses online via MD Outdoors, at DNR service centers, or through sport license agent retailers.
Photo via Josh Montgomery/Maryland DNR
