Nevada Duck Stamp Art Contest celebrates 30 years

Artists with an interest in wildlife have an opportunity to be recognized for their creativity by participating in the 2009 Nevada Duck Stamp Art Contest. The annual contest is sponsored by the Nevada Waterfowl Association and sanctioned by the Nevada State Board of Wildlife Commissioners. The winning artwork will be featured as the 2009 - 2010 Nevada Duck Stamp.

Any artist is encouraged to enter the contest, whether residing in Nevada or elsewhere. Artwork must be an original creation, in any drawing medium and must be received by the Nevada Department of Wildlife no later than October 17, 2008. Complete contest rules are available at www.ndow.org, local art supplies stores or by calling (775) 688-1915 for more information.

Celebrating its 30th year, the subject of this year's contest is the Great Basin Canada goose, a subspecies of the Canada goose. The Great Basin Canada goose winters in significant numbers at Nevada's wetlands, which are on the Pacific Flyway. Great Basin geese are large, like the giant Canada geese, with plumage similar for both sexes. Mostly grayish-brown in color, the birds are noted for black head, neck, feet, rump and tail.

Entries will be judged by seven individuals, including two members of the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners and five others as appointed by the Nevada Waterfowl Association. The first-place winner will be revealed November 8, 2008 at the Nevada Waterfowl Association's annual fundraiser in Fallon and their artwork will grace the 2009-10 Nevada Duck Stamp. The names of the top ten finalists will then be announced by the Nevada Department of Wildlife on November 10, 2008.

The Nevada Duck Stamp sells for $10 and is required to be purchased by any person who hunts migratory birds in Nevada. Stamps can also be purchased by collectors and the general public to support Nevada wildlife and habitat conservation efforts. A limited number of prints may also be issued, and are available for fundraising for wildlife-related and other conservation organizations.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife 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.