Date: 02/04/09
Contact: C. Douglas Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127, ext. 3500

JUNIOR DUCK STAMP CONTEST NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES

Schoolchildren and teens with an artistic bent and a love for birds and nature can put their talents to the test by entering their artwork in the 2009 Junior Duck Stamp contest. Entries for this national contest, run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), can be submitted now through March 15, 2009.

The contest theme is “connecting children with nature through science and art.” According to H. Dale Hall, Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, “An increasing body of evidence shows that a relationship with the natural world helps children become healthier in body and mind — the Junior Duck Stamp program is a wonderful gateway to that relationship.”

Junior Duck Stamps are similar to the Federal Duck Stamps, and sell for $5 each at post offices and wildlife refuges. Proceeds from the sale of Junior Duck Stamps are returned to the states for environmental and conservation education programs. The contest is sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and the U.S. Postal Service, and is open to K–12 students across the U.S. & its territories. Prizes are $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 for the first, second and third place entries respectively. Additionally, the prize for top conservation message, an entry option, is $500.

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. In 2008, Seokkyun Hong, from Texas, won the contest with his depiction of the Nene Hawaiian Goose. The Best of Show winner in Nevada was Alison Schembri, for her rendering of a Northern Pintail.

Margie Klein, a wildlife educator with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, said, “Nature often inspires the arts, and this contest is a great way to connect the two.”

In addition to furthering their artistic talent, contestants also learn about wildlife habitat and the principles of conservation by researching one of 46 species listed by the USFWS. They conclude their learning by illustrating the species, using any of a number of artistic mediums. Students are also encouraged to write a conservation message. The message explains something 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.

Contest rules and entry forms are available here or 1-800-344-WILD. The state coordinator in Nevada is Donna Withers, (775)-4223-5287 x 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.