Winner chosen for 18th annual Arizona Game and Fish Department photo contest

PHOENIX — The winner of the 18th annual wildlife photo contest for Arizona Game and Fish Department was chosen out of more than 800 entries.

Randi Najac’s photo of a desert spiny lizard was awarded “best in show” and will be featured both on the cover and in the “Arizona Wildlife Views” 2025 calendar, according to a press release from AZGAF.

Najac is one of 12 winners that will be included in the 2025 wildlife calendar, which is published in the November-December 2024 issue of Arizona Wildlife Views magazine.

Contest judges also selected 20 pictures for honorable mention, these photos also a part of the latest calendar.

Who are the Arizona Game and Fish Department photo contest winners?

● Dennis A. Boyd, Tucson: Western tanager
● Mike Henry, Tucson: Crested caracaras
● Marti Huzarski, Chino Valley: American pronghorn
● Anne James, Payson: Abert’s squirrel
● Jackie Klieger, Sedona: Wood duck
● Lisa Manifold, Gold Canyon: White-nosed coatis
● Randi Najac, Chandler: Desert spiny lizard
● Kathy Ritter, Happy Jack: Long-tailed weasel
● David Swanson, Prescott: Bald eagle
● David C. Vincent, Tucson: Western diamondback rattlesnake
● Sean Wickenheisser, Lake Havasu City: Desert bighorn sheep
● Lisa C. Wood, Tucson: Elk

Did you know Arizona is home to 110+ reptiles, including 49 species of lizards like the desert spiny lizard? This photo by Randi Najac, Best in Show, is on the cover of Arizona Wildlife Views & the 2025 calendar! Congrats to all winners! View the list: https://t.co/7nVThmqUK2 pic.twitter.com/yeOxJ3rK6d

— Arizona Game & Fish (@azgfd) November 9, 2024

Here is list of photos from the previous year’s winners.

People who subscribe through Dec. 31, 2024, will receive the calendar issue while supplies last, and can also add free issues to their orders. The special-edition calendar will also go on sale for $3 at all Arizona Game and Fish offices starting in mid-November.