Brian Shaw is the winner of the 2022 Michigan Department of Natural Resources deer patch design competition. Shaw, a graphic designer and teacher of art at Hillsdale, won the contest on the 50th anniversary of the DNR’s Deer Cooperator Patch.

Shaw said he didn’t know about deer patches or the design contest prior to this year and felt privileged it was the 50th anniversary.

“This is all brand new to me,” Shaw said. “From what I know, it’s a commemorative patch the DNR comes out with each year.”

Shaw said the patch serves as a way for the DNR to connect with hunters, promote conservation efforts, and showcase deer hunting. 

Because the patch is embroidered in thread and cannot be larger than 3 by 4 inches, Shaw said he tried to avoid small or intricate designs. 

“I started to think, ‘Well, what’s the most important thing? It’s the deer.’ And if I can make that as big as possible, I’m going to try,” he said.  

Shaw’s design shows the deer in an active jumping pose, which is meant to convey the beauty of the animal in a dynamic way, he said.

Shaw said he didn’t know about the contest until Al Stewart, director of the college’s Nimrod Education Center, sent him the call for entries in the spring. Stewart previously worked for the DNR and ran its turkey patch competition.

“The design contest helps to highlight the contributions hunters provide to conservation and management,” Stewart said. “By purchasing hunting licenses and having their deer inspected by DNR wildlife biologists, hunters provide information and funds that help with the management of Michigan’s deer herd. Deer patches are provided to hunters to thank them for their contributions.”

Beginning Sept. 15, the patch will be available to purchase. DNR Outreach Assistant Emilie O’Grady said in previous years about 40,000 patches have been distributed.

According to O’Grady, the 50th anniversary makes this year special for collectors. 

“This is a monumental year which would make acquiring this specific patch extra special for those individuals who have been collecting since the 1970’s,” she said. 

O’Grady said Shaw’s design was selected out of roughly 260 submissions. 

“Anyone can submit their design for consideration,” according to O’Grady. “Submissions are voted on by the entire Wildlife Division of the DNR.”

Stewart said he was glad to see a Hillsdale professor’s art featured in the contest. 

“He’s an accomplished artist and I’m excited he would take the time to focus on doing the deer patch and help be part of the tradition of hunting in this state,” Stewart said.