Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002
For more information:  John Forney, 773-4605

2002 FEDERAL JUNIOR DUCK STAMP PROGRAM

Huron -- This is the eleventh year that South Dakota students, grades K through 12, will have the opportunity to take part in the Junior Duck Stamp Program.

The Junior Duck Stamp Program was developed to use art to teach the importance of conserving our wetlands and to expand the knowledge of the Federal Duck Stamp as a conservation program . It enables students to experience hands-on, creative, learning activities centered around conservation. 

The program includes an arts curriculum that is available to teachers by contacting Karrie Schmidt of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (605) 352-5894 ext. 20. Also available upon request is a 13-minute videotape entitled "Conservation Through the Arts." For a free copy of the videotape, write to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Duck Stamp Office, 1849 C Street-NW Suite 2058, Washington D.C. 20240.

The highlight of the program is the art contest, which any student may enter. The contest is separated into four categories of grades; K-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Prizes are awarded for places in each category. All entrants will receive a certificate of participation. The national first place winner will receive a $2500 cash award and a free trip to attend the (adult) Federal Ducks Stamp Contest, along with his/her art teacher; one of his/her parents, and his/her state coordinator. The national first place winning design is used to produce the Federal Junior Duck Stamp, which are available for purchase by calling 1-800-Stamp24.

South Dakota’s winning artwork will be displayed around the state. Request it by contacting Diane Vander Wal at the Visual Arts Dept. at SDSU, (605) 688-4103. The artwork is scheduled to be at Cabela’s in Mitchell during April. It will also be featured at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s State Fair booth in Huron, S.D. during the week of July 29. On a national level, each state’s "Best of Show" winners will be displayed in Watertown on Sept. 6-8, at the Watertown Wildlife and Western Arts Show. 

All entries must be postmarked by March 15, be a horizontal drawing or painting 9" X 12" and not exceed 1/4" thickness. Entries are limited to North American ducks, geese or swans; Hawaiian Koloa, Laysan Duck or Nene Goose. Loons and Mute Swans ARE NOT eligible. Entries must be accompanied by an entry form glued to the back of the artwork. For more information or to obtain an entry form, contact Karrie Schmidt at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rm 309 Federal Bldg., Huron, S.D. 57350 or call (605) 352-5894, X20.

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