The 2023 Federal Duck Stamp Contest: A Celebration of Waterfowl and Conservation

The 2023 Federal Duck Stamp Contest was held on September 15 and 16, 2023, at the Olmstead Center at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Over 300 artists from across the country submitted their finest waterfowl artwork for the competition, and

the judges had a difficult task in choosing the winner.

After two days of judging, Chuck Black of Belgrade, Montana, was named the winner of the 2023 Federal Duck Stamp Contest with his oil painting of a northern pintail. Black's painting depicts a male pintail in full breeding plumage, perched on a rock in a marsh. The bird's long, slender tail and iridescent feathers are beautifully rendered, and the painting captures the essence of this iconic waterfowl species.

Black's painting will be reproduced on the 2024 Federal Duck Stamp, which is required to be purchased by all waterfowl hunters in the United States. Ninety-eight cents out of every dollar spent on Duck Stamps goes directly to wetland habitat conservation, and the program has raised over $1.2 billion since it was established in 1934.

The Federal Duck Stamp Contest is one of the most prestigious art competitions in the world, and it is a testament to the skill and dedication of the artists who participate. The 2023 contest was no exception, and the judges were impressed by the high quality of the artwork submitted.

In addition to the winning painting by Chuck Black, there were many other outstanding works of art in the competition. Here is a look at some of the other notable entries:

• Second Place: "Wood Ducks in Flight" by Scott Kennedy of Jamestown, North Carolina

• Third Place: "Canada Geese on the Wing" by David Maass of Winona, Minnesota

• Honorable Mention: "Ring-Necked Ducks" by Richard Clifton of Rock Hill, South Carolina

• Honorable Mention: "Gadwall Pair" by James Hautman of Prairie Village, Kansas

• Honorable Mention: "Mallards in the Marsh" by Robert Hautman of Prairie Village, Kansas

The 2023 Federal Duck Stamp Contest was a success on all fronts. It was a great opportunity to celebrate the beauty of waterfowl and the importance of wetland conservation. It was also a chance to showcase the work of some of the most talented wildlife artists in the world.

The Importance of Wetland Conservation

Wetlands are one of the most important ecosystems on Earth. They provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including waterfowl, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Wetlands also play a vital role in water filtration, flood control, and carbon storage.

Unfortunately, wetlands are being lost at an alarming rate. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, over half of the wetlands in the United States have been lost since the country was founded. The loss of wetlands is a major threat to waterfowl and other wildlife, and it also has a negative impact on water quality and the overall health of our environment.

The Federal Duck Stamp Program is one of the most important conservation programs in the United States. It has helped to conserve over 6 million acres of wetland habitat since it was established in 1934. By purchasing a Federal Duck Stamp, you can help to support this vital conservation work.

How to Purchase a Federal Duck Stamp

Federal Duck Stamps can be purchased at most post offices and sporting goods stores. They can also be purchased online at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.

The cost of a Federal Duck Stamp is $25. Waterfowl hunters are required to purchase a stamp each year, but it is also a popular purchase among birdwatchers, conservationists, and other outdoor enthusiasts.