Junior Duck Stamp Contest

The New Hampshire Concord Monitor reports the demise of the New Hampshire duck stamp does not in any way mean there is a demise in the Junior Duck Stamp Contest, which starts March 12.

The contest is open to young artists from kindergarten through grade 12. Entrants are encouraged to submit original artwork depicting North American waterfowl to New Hampshire Fish and Game.

The Best of Show New Hampshire winner advances to the national Junior Duck Design Contest, where the top three winners receive a cash award and a trip to the adult Federal Duck Stamp Contest.

The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program is an integrated art and science activity developed to teach environmental science and habitat conservation. "In the process of creating Junior Duck Stamp designs, students gain a better understanding of the importance of conserving habitat as they explore the esthetic qualities of wildlife," said Victor Young, who coordinates New Hampshire Fish and Game's statewide contest.

Teachers who want to integrate these lessons into their coursework can find a curriculum guide for teaching conservation through the arts at duckstamps.fws.gov.

If you have a young artist in your household, you are encouraged to contact Victor Young at (603)271-3211.

Shown above is last year's 1st Place winner. It was drawn by Paul Willey, 18, who lives in Arkansas.