Contact: Laura Rau, Accounting, phone: (302) 739-5841 , e-mail: laura.rau@state.de.us
 

Delaware Duck Stamp Contest Will Be Judged March 9 in Dover

The Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife will host the 26th annual State Duck Stamp Contest on Wednesday, March 9 in the Delaware Agriculture Museum, Route 13 in Dover. The artwork to appear on the 2005 state duck stamp will be selected during this contest.

The public is invited to watch the judging, which will follow the 10 a.m. judging of Delaware’s 2006 Trout Stamp Contest. The panel of judges for the Duck Stamp Contest includes a wildlife biologist, an artist, a waterfowl stamp collector, a printer and a lighthouse expert.

The featured species for this year’s competition – the second in a special five-year lighthouse series – is the common merganser, said Laura Rau, Duck Stamp Contest coordinator. As part of the requirements for this year's competition, the artist must also include the Fenwick Island Lighthouse. Last year’s winning artwork was of two American scoters and the Cape Henlopen Lighthouse by Newark pediatrician Bonni Field.

For this year’s competition, 33 entries have been received from throughout the United States, including seven from Delaware wildlife artists, according to Rau. “I’ve had a chance to see some of the paintings and every one so far would make a beautiful stamp and print. The judges are going to have their work cut out for them.”

The winning artist receives a cash prize of $2,500 and 150 artist’s proofs.
The Division of Fish and Wildlife, in partnership with Ducks Unlimited, began the duck stamp and print program in 1980 to raise funds for waterfowl conservation, including acquiring and improving the wetland habitats that are vital for the survival of migratory waterfowl. To date, almost $2 million has been raised.

Duck stamps are required in Delaware when hunting migratory waterfowl species. They will go on sale July 1 at the Division of Fish and Wildlife offices in Dover, at license agents throughout the state or online at www.dnrec.state.de.us/fw.

Collector’s stamps and prints are sold only at the Division offices. Contact Laura Rau at 302-739-5841 for more information.
 

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