*Oklahoma* Waterfowl Stamp competition open

July 10, 2014
A Service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

STATE WATERFOWL STAMP DESIGN CONTEST SEEKS ENTRIES

The pintail duck has been selected as the subject for this year’s Oklahoma Waterfowl Stamp design competition. Artists have until 4:30 p.m. Aug. 29 to submit artwork for this prestigious contest that has been conducted by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation since 1980.

The winning artwork will serve as the design for the 2015-16 Oklahoma Waterfowl Stamp, which is purchased by waterfowl hunters in the state and collectors nationwide. The winning artist will receive a $1,200 purchase award courtesy of NatureWorks, a Tulsa-based conservation organization.
“This is really much more than an art contest,” said Micah Holmes, information supervisor for the Wildlife Department.

“When waterfowl hunters purchase that stamp, they are doing their part in conserving wildlife and preserving the sport of hunting. Stamp collectors can support the cause as well, since the stamps always feature stunning and unique artwork that’s worth adding to a collection.”
Meanwhile, the 2014-15 Oklahoma Waterfowl License is now on sale at the Department’s website, wildlifedepartment.com. This year’s state waterfowl stamp features a canvasback drake, created by Shea Meyer of Stratford. Those who wish to purchase a physical stamp may do so by visiting Wildlife Department headquarters, 1801 N. Lincoln in Oklahoma City, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Because the Wildlife Department receives no general state tax appropriations, revenue from the Oklahoma waterfowl stamp is an important source of funding for in-the-field habitat work that benefits waterfowl and other wetlands wildlife. Since the waterfowl stamp program began, about 12,000 acres of habitat have been purchased and many thousands of acres of additional habitat have been enhanced, restored and maintained for the benefit of waterfowl.
Entries must be original two-dimensional artworks rendered on a flat surface (not canvas) in acrylic, oil, watercolor, pencil, pen and ink, tempera or any other similar media. The artwork must be oriented horizontally and sized 6.5 inches high by 9 inches wide. Each artwork must be matted with white mat board measuring 9 inches high by 12 inches wide. Artwork cannot be framed or under glass, but can be protected by a removable covering such as acetate.
Judges will consider each pintail artwork in terms of anatomical accuracy, artistic composition and suitability for printing. Any background habitat depicted must be typical of an Oklahoma locale.
Entries are limited to one artwork per artist, and a $20 nonrefundable entry fee is required. Mailed entries should be sent to Duck Stamp Competition Coordinator, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. Ground deliveries should be made to 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.
A selection of previous contest entries is on display in the lobby of the Wildlife Department headquarters in Oklahoma City. While the Wildlife Department no longer produces prints of the winning artwork, a few limited-edition prints from previous years are still available for sale. To order, go online to wildlifedepartment.com.
For complete contest rules, go online to wildlifedepartment.com/facts_maps/duckstampprogram.htm. For more contest information, call (405) 521-4632.

A canvasback drake is featured on the 2014-15 Oklahoma Waterfowl Hunting Stamp. The design was created by Shea Meyer of Stratford, Okla. Entries are now being accepted for the design competition for the 2015-16 waterfowl stamp, which will feature the pintail duck.

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The mission of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is the management of Oklahoma’s wildlife resources and habitat to provide scientific, educational, aesthetic, economic and recreational benefits for present and future generations of hunters, anglers and others who appreciate wildlife.
News Contacts: Don P. Brown or Micah Holmes.
Website: http://www.wildlifedepartment.com
Telephone: (405) 521-4632

This program receives federal assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and thus prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and sex (gender), pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. To request an accommodation or informational material in an alternative format, please contact the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation by calling (405) 521-3855. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or service, please contact U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, Attention: Civil Rights Coordinator for Public Access, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203.