Date: 11/10/11
Contact: Aaron Meier
Phone: (775) 688-1998

DUCK STAMP CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED

You can almost imagine Pennsylvania artist Gerald Putt trying not to smile when he learned that the species for this year's Nevada Duck Stamp Art Contest was an American wigeon. You see Putt has had quite a bit of success with the wigeon, including his very first win in the Pennsylvania duck stamp contest in 1991.

Apparently, he would have had every reason to smile as Putt has been named the winner of the 2012 Nevada Duck Stamp Art Contest.

"It's a very proud feeling of accomplishment," said Putt. "Just knowing you're the one who has won the competition for that year, feels great. I like competition in just about anything. Even if I lose, I try and try to get better at whatever the contest."

The contest, sponsored by the Nevada Waterfowl Association and sanctioned by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), drew a total of 18 entries from seven states. All of the winning entries can be viewed at this link: www.ndow.org/wild/stamp/.

The winning entry in the annual art contest was selected by a panel of seven judges including two Nevada wildlife commissioners. Putt's artwork featuring an American wigeon gliding through the water will now grace Nevada's 2012-2013 State Duck Stamp.

While this is the first time Putt has won the Nevada contest, he has had a record of success with multiple wins in several other states, including Pennsylvania (nine wins), North Carolina (five wins), Illinois (three wins) and Colorado.

The subject of this year's contest was the American wigeon, a medium-sized duck that is larger than a teal, but smaller than a pintail. The wigeon can be distinguished from other dabblers by its round head, short neck and small black-tipped bill. The breeding male (drake) has an iridescent mask of green feathers from its eyes to the back of its head, and a white colored cap running from the crown of its head to its bill. This white patch gives the wigeon its other common name, baldpate (meaning bald headed). Their breast and sides are pinkish-brown with a white underbelly.

"The colors and patterns make them a very handsome species," said Putt. "My very first duck stamp win was with a pair of wigeons."

Putt also has some advice for other artists who might fall short in contests such as this. "Persistence pays off. Don't give up just because you don't win in the first couple tries. Small steps are sometimes the only way to improvement. But I don't get discouraged by a few stumbles along the way. I've always said an artist cannot rest on one's laurels but must strive to improve with each and every painting."

The Nevada Duck Stamp sells for $10 and is required to be purchased by any person who hunts migratory birds in Nevada. Stamps can also be purchased by collectors and the general public to support Nevada wildlife and habitat conservation efforts. A limited number of prints may also be issued, and are available for fundraising for wildlife-related and other conservation organizations.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. Find us on Facebook or Twitter.