October 20, 2008

Contact: Rachel Levin 703/358-2405
               Barb Perkins 303/236-4588

SOUTH DAKOTAN WINS 2008 FEDERAL DUCK STAMP CONTEST

 

Joshua Spies, of Watertown, S.D., took first place in the 2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest with his acrylic painting of a long-tailed duck with a decoy. Second place went to Jim Hautman, of Chaska, Minn., who painted an acrylic of a pair of Canada geese. Gerald Mobley of Claremore, Okla., took third place with his acrylic rendering of a pair of northern shovelers. The Federal Duck Stamp Contest, the only federally sponsored art contest, is conducted annually by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

 

Spies’ artwork will be made into the 2009-2010 Federal Duck Stamp, which sells for $15.

All waterfowl hunters age 16 and older are required to purchase and carry the current Migratory Bird Conservation and Hunting Stamp - commonly known as the Duck Stamp - but conservationists, stamp collectors and others also purchase the stamp in support of habitat conservation. Ninety-eight percent of the proceeds from the Duck Stamp go to the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, which supports the purchase of acres of wetlands for inclusion into the National Wildlife Refuge System.

 

To date, Duck Stamp funds have been used to acquire habitat at hundreds of refuges, in nearly every state in our nation. There are 548 national wildlife refuges spread across all 50 states and U.S. territories. A current Duck Stamp can be used for free admission to any national wildlife refuge open to the public. Refuges offer unparalleled recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, bird watching and photography.

 

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

 

Email Us: MountainPrairie@fws.gov