After two days of competition, Robert Hautman of Delano, Minnesota, emerged as the winner of the 2026 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest with an acrylic painting of a long-tailed duck pair. The winning artwork was announced during an event at Ducks Unlimited, Inc. Headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, and via livestream.

Hautman’s artwork will be made into the 2027-2028 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, or Duck Stamp, which will go on sale in late June 2027. This is Hautman’s fourth time winning the Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest. The Service produces the Federal Duck Stamp, which raises approximately $40 million in sales each year. These funds support conservation of wetland habitats in the National Wildlife Refuge System for the benefit of wildlife and the enjoyment of people.

“The Federal Duck Stamp Program is one of the most successful conservation programs in our nation’s history. Since the program began in 1934, Duck Stamp sales have helped protect millions of acres of wetland habitat for waterfowl and countless other species. It brings together art, wildlife, conservation, and the American outdoors,” said Service Director Brian Nesvik. “Whether you are a hunter, collector, birder or admirer of art, I encourage you to buy an annual Duck Stamp. You’re supporting an important cause that has a direct impact on conserving America’s wetlands and helping our ecosystems to thrive.”

Madison Grimm of Wallace, South Dakota, placed second with an acrylic painting of a king eider and Joseph Hautman of Plymouth, Minnesota, took third place with an acrylic painting of a king eider.

Since it was established in 1934, the Federal Duck Stamp has been sold to hunters, birdwatchers, outdoor enthusiasts and collectors, raising more than $1.3 billion to conserve over 6 million acres of habitat for birds and other wildlife and provide countless opportunities for wildlife-oriented recreation on our public lands.

Funds raised from the sale of Federal Duck Stamps go toward the acquisition or lease of habitat for the Refuge System. The new areas provide additional access to the public to some of the most spectacular places available for hunting, fishing, birdwatching, hiking and other outdoor activities.

Of 331 entries judged in this year’s competition, 15 entries made it to the final round of judging. Eligible species for this year’s Federal Duck Stamp Contest were cackling goose, blue-winged teal, mottled duck, long-tailed duck and king eider. View the online gallery of the 2026 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest entries.

The judges for this year’s Federal Duck Stamp Contest were: John Carlson, Jr., Tom Finley, Catherine Hamilton, Kathryn Johnson, David Turner and Ken Richkus (alternate). 

Waterfowl hunters age 16 and older are required to purchase and carry the current Federal Duck Stamp. Many non-hunters, including birdwatchers, conservationists, and stamp collectors, also purchase the stamp in support of habitat conservation. Additionally, a current Federal Duck Stamp can be used for free admission to any national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge .

Individuals can contribute to conservation and America’s great outdoors tradition by buying Federal Duck Stamps at many national wildlife refuges, sporting goods stores, and other retailers, through the U.S. Postal Service, or online at https://www.fws.gov/service/buy-duck-stamp-or-e-stamp.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit: www.fws.gov, or connect with us through any of these social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube and Flickr.