Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge will be the receiving site for the upcoming 2024 Arkansas Federal Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest.
What is a Duck Stamp?
Federal Duck Stamps are actually conservation revenue stamps, not postal stamps. Established in 1934, the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act requires all waterfowl hunters ages 16 years and older to purchase and carry a Federal Duck Stamp. The revenue generated from the stamp helps to acquire and protect wetland habitat. The Federal Duck Stamp program has protected over 6 million acres of waterfowl habitat since its beginning more than 80 years ago! Today, the stamps are among the largest and most beautiful, showcasing North American ducks, swans and geese. They are also the longest running series of U.S. stamps and are a collectors item to many.
What is the Junior Duck Stamp Program?
The Junior Duck Stamp Program is the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's premier conservation education initiative. The program teaches conservation to students across the nation through the arts. Revenue generated by the sales of Junior Duck Stamps funds environmental education programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and several territories. The Junior Duck Stamp curriculum encourages students to explore their natural world, invites them to investigate biology and wildlife management principles and challenges them to express and share what they have learned with others.
How is this a contest?
Through an annual art competition in each state, participating students produce a “visual term paper” to give recognition to what they have learned about waterfowl and wetlands. Every state conducts four age-related competitions each year (K-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12) to select the Best of Show for the state. The Best of Show winning design from each state is then entered into an annual National competition. The Best of Show selected at the National competition becomes the image for the next year’s Junior Duck Stamp. Following the National Junior Duck Stamp competition, the Best of Show designs from each participating state are exhibited nationwide to encourage young artists to learn about wildlife and to help raise the visibility of waterfowl conservation.
Who can participate in the Art and Conservation Message Contest?
Arkansas youth in grades K-12 are eligible to enter art/conservation messages into the contest. All entries MUST be postmarked by March 15, 2024 for consideration.
Where can I find out more about the rules of the contest?
Visit the official Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation Program websitefor information regarding required forms, artwork guidelines and reference materials for the contest.
How do I submit my artwork and message?
Entries for the 2024 Arkansas Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest should be mailed to the address below. All entries should be postmarked by March 15, 2024. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge
C/O Junior Duck Stamp Contest
5531 Highway 82 West
Crossett, AR 71635
Got all your ducks in a row??
Review the checklist below to ensure your entry is acceptable and complete. Negligence will result in disqualification.
Soar above the competition with our helpful tips on submitting Winning Art.
Note: The program is transitioning to a digital approach. This means there will be fewer physical mailings (letters, certificates, etc.). Information will be distributed via email and website updates.
