Date: 12/30/09
Contact: Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127 x 3500

JUNIOR DUCK STAMP CONTEST OPEN

While the kids are on vacation and looking for something to do, get them busy observing wildlife and even entering an art contest. The 2010 Junior Duck Stamp Contest, run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is accepting entries now through March 15, 2010. The Junior Duck Stamp Contest is an educational program designed to teach wetland habitat and waterfowl conservation to students. Students research one of 46 species of duck, swan or goose, listed by the USFWS, and then conclude their learning by illustrating the species, using any of a number of artistic mediums. Scenes should depict birds in their natural habitat. Students are also encouraged to write a conservation message. The message explains something that the student has learned about wetland habitats, conservation, or waterfowl. It may also be a statement encouraging others to learn about and participate in conservation.

According to NDOW wildlife education coordinator Margie Klein, “The idea is to get kids outside to explore their surroundings and the many life forms they may see there.”

Junior Duck Stamps are similar to the Federal Duck Stamps, and sell for $5 each at post offices and wildlife refuges. Not valid for postage, they are collectors’ stamps whose sale benefits environmental and conservation education programs.

The contest is open to K – 12 students across the U.S. & its territories. Students from around the United States submit artistic renderings to their state, territory or district competition. Winners from these competitions, called the "Best of Show," are then submitted to the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest. One image from the 53 Best of Show entries will become the next Junior Duck Stamp. Prizes are $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place, $2,000 for third place, and a $500 award is given for the best conservation message. The national winner, along with one parent or guardian and the winner’s teacher will receive a free trip to Washington DC, to participate in the First Day of Sale ceremony. The national winner of the 2009 contest was 16-year old Lily Spang from Ohio, with her depiction of a wood duck drake. The 2009 Conservation Message Contest winner was 8-year old Christopher Voelkel from New Mexico, with his entry of “Our environment, our responsibility, our future.”

The USFWS also utilizes the Federal Duck Stamp program to introduce the National Wildlife Refuge System to participants by encouraging them to study waterfowl at these sites. The timing of the contest also aids in waterfowl observation, since winter is a good time to see the birds.

Sam Hamilton, director of the USFWS, states, “At a time when children are increasingly over-scheduled and overwhelmed with electronic gadgets and media, the Junior Duck Stamp program helps them discover the value and joy in exploring their natural world.”

Klein added, “Everyone can find inspiration in nature. And studying wildlife in its natural setting helps kids learn about ecology. ”

The contest website has resources to help kids get outside and explore their environment. Rules and entry forms are available at www.fws.gov/juniorduck or 1-800-344-WILD. The state coordinator in Nevada for the contest is Donna Withers, (775)-4223-5287 ext. 231, or donna_withers@fws.gov.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, 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. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.