Member-only story

Inside the Strange and Wonderful World of the Federal Duck Stamp Contest

Josh Carter

·9.6k Followers· Follow

Published in The Wild Duck Chase: Inside The Strange And Wonderful World Of The Federal Duck Stamp Contest

4 min read · 1 week before

555 View Claps

56 Respond

Save

Listen

The Federal Duck Stamp Contest is an annual competition that has been held since 1949 to design the federal duck stamp, a revenue stamp required for waterfowl hunters to hunt migratory waterfowl in the United States. The contest is open to all artists, and the winning design is selected by a jury of experts in the fields of art, ornithology, and wildlife conservation.

The Federal Duck Stamp Program is a success story for conservation. Since its inception, the program has raised over $1 billion for the conservation of wetlands and waterfowl habitat. This money has been used to acquire and protect over 6 million acres of habitat, which has benefited waterfowl and other wildlife species.

The Federal Duck Stamp Contest is also an important cultural event. The winning design is featured on the federal duck stamp for the following year, and it is often reproduced on other products, such as prints, posters, and clothing. The contest has helped to raise awareness of the importance of waterfowl conservation, and it has inspired many people to get involved in conservation efforts.

The Wild Duck Chase: Inside the Strange and Wonderful World of the Federal Duck Stamp Contest

by Martin J. Smith

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3577 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	272 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

The Federal Duck Stamp Contest is a unique event that brings together artists, ornithologists, and wildlife conservationists. The contest is a celebration of waterfowl and the importance of conservation. It is also a showcase for the amazing talent of the artists who participate.

The winning design for the 2023 Federal Duck Stamp Contest was created by artist Todd McGrain. McGrain's design features a pair of mallards in flight. The mallard is the most popular waterfowl species in North America, and it is a symbol of the conservation success of the Federal Duck Stamp Program.

McGrain's design is a beautiful and realistic portrayal of the mallard. The mallards are shown in flight, with their wings outstretched and their feathers ruffled. The background is a vibrant sky, with clouds and sunlight.

McGrain's design was selected from a field of over 2,000 entries. The jury of experts was impressed by the design's realism, beauty, and composition.

The Federal Duck Stamp Contest is open to all artists, regardless of their age, experience, or nationality. The contest is judged on the following criteria:

Artistic merit: The design must be visually appealing and well-executed.
Ornithological accuracy: The design must accurately depict the featured waterfowl species.
Conservation message: The design must convey the importance of waterfowl conservation.

The deadline for the 2024 Federal Duck Stamp Contest is December 15, 2023. For more information on the contest, please visit the website of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Federal Duck Stamp is a valuable conservation tool. The money raised from the sale of duck stamps is used to acquire and protect wetlands and waterfowl habitat. This habitat is essential for the survival of waterfowl and other wildlife species.

The Federal Duck Stamp is also a symbol of the importance of conservation. The stamp is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to protect our natural resources.

By purchasing a Federal Duck Stamp, you can help to support waterfowl conservation and ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and wonder of these amazing birds.

The Wild Duck Chase: Inside the Strange and Wonderful World of the Federal Duck Stamp Contest

by Martin J. Smith

4.7 out of 5