Born in East Moline, Illinois, Darrell Bush enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family as a child. In 1984, after graduating with a bachelor of fine arts degree in commercial art from Northern Illinois University, Bush moved to Minnesota and worked as a commercial illustrator for five years. "It was during this time I began pursuing a second career: my true love, wildlife art," he said. In 1987, Bush became a full time artist.

Accomplishments include participation in the 1996 "Wonders of Nature" exhibit in Hong Kong and being named Artist of the Year for the 1997 Wildlife Western and American Art Exhibit. He has completed several conservation projects including the 1996 National Fish and Wildlife Print, and several state hunting stamps and prints. With a total of nine fund-raising prints, several of which have been commissioned by Ducks Unlimited, Bush remains an active member of The National Audubon Society and Ducks Unlimited.