State Holds Contest for Bird Artwork

Artists of all ages and experience levels could have their artwork featured on a conservation stamp used to raise money for the environment.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is looking for artists to enter their artwork for the 2014 Migratary Bird Conservation Stamp.

The inaugural contest in 2012 was won by wildlife artist Richard Clifton, whose depiction of three wood ducks (see attached photo) was chosen from among 18 entries from artists across the country – from Oregon to Georgia, as well as 11 from Connecticut.  Clifton’s painting now graces the 2013 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp.

“The Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp Program is a great example of how conservation works – concerned citizens paying into a program that was formed to protect and enhance vital habitat,” said DEEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Whalen in a press release. 

She added, “By state law, funds generated from the sale of Connecticut Duck Stamps can only be used for the development, management, preservation, conservation, acquisition, purchase, and maintenance of waterfowl habitat and wetlands, as well as the purchase and acquisition of recreational rights or interests relating to migratory birds.”

Contest Details

The contest is open to all artists (including junior duck stamp artists), regardless of residence, age, or experience. Artwork may be in any full-color medium, including acrylic, oil, colored pencil, and watercolor. Images that include a Connecticut scene or landmark are preferred. Entries will be judged on originality, artistic composition, anatomical accuracy, general rendering, and suitability for reproduction.

Entries must be received in person or postmarked on or before March 15, 2013, to be eligible.  Entries should be sent to:

CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Attn: Migratory Game Bird Program

391 Route 32

North Franklin, CT 06254

Full contest rules, judging criteria, and an official entry certificate are available on the DEEP web site at www.ct.gov/deep/ctduckstamp or by calling the DEEP Wildlife Division’s Franklin office at 860-642-7239.

History of Connecticut’s Duck Stamp Program 

The Duck Stamp Program was initiated in the early 1990s when concerned sportsmen worked with the DEEP to develop legislation that would generate revenue for wetland conservation. Modeled after the federal Duck Stamp Program, the Connecticut program requires the purchase of a state Duck Stamp, along with a hunting license, to legally hunt waterfowl in the state.

The first Connecticut Duck Stamp debuted in 1993 with a fee of $5.00.  From 1993-2002, the sale of Duck Stamps and prints generated over $1.2 million in revenue. Print sales gradually declined over time and the print program was discontinued with the 2002 Duck Stamp. 

Hunters and conservationists have consistently expressed strong support for the Duck Stamp Program and associated conservation projects.  The sale of stamps alone currently generates approximately $50,000 per year.  With the return of full-color artistic Duck Stamps in 2013, art enthusiasts, stamp collectors, and conservationists are encouraged to purchase as many stamps as they wish to provide funds for wetland conservation projects.  Full-color prints may also be available at the discretion of the winning artist.

“The Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp is more than just a ‘duck’ stamp because the conservation work it funds provides habitat for a multitude of other wildlife species, like herons, egrets, fish, and amphibians, along with several species of greatest conservation need that are identified in Connecticut’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy,” said Whalen.

This is a press release submitted by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.