Contest ending after its 40th year
The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) is now accepting entries for the 2019 Alabama Waterfowl Stamp art contest. The winning artwork will be featured as the design of the 2020-21 stamp. The Alabama stamp is currently required for all licensed hunters when hunting migratory waterfowl in the state. Revenue from the sale of the stamp is used to purchase, establish or improve migratory waterfowl habitat.
The competition is open to resident Alabama artists only. Only original horizontal artworks depicting a species of North American migratory duck or goose will be eligible. The Canada Goose, American Green-winged Teal, and Wood Duck -- depicted in the winning artwork of the three previous years’ contests -- are not eligible as the subject for the 2020-21 waterfowl stamp. Entries must be postmarked no later than March 1, 2019.
Judging criteria will emphasize uncluttered design suitable for printing as a stamp, anatomical accuracy of the illustrated species, and artistic rendering. Close attention must be given to tone and detail, since those aspects are prerequisites for printing artwork as a stamp. Wing and feather construction must be particularly well defined. Entries may be drawn or painted in any medium. Entries cannot exceed 9 by 12 inches (15 by 18 inches matted).
The contest winner will be announced in March 2019.
Revenue generated from the sale of the 2019 waterfowl stamp will continue to work towards benefitting waterfowl and their associated habitats. However, following this year’s contest, the State will be transitioning from the physical stamp to a license privilege and the contest will be discontinued.
“With the implementation of the lifetime waterfowl stamp and the added waterfowl stamp privilege section on the regular hunting license, the number of individuals wanting the physical stamp has continued to decline,” said Seth Maddox, WFF Migratory Game Bird Coordinator. “Declining demand for the actual stamp combined with a decreased participation in the art contest has made it cost prohibitive to continue creating a physical stamp or conduct the contest. Funds generated by the license privilege will provide the same benefits to Alabama’s waterfowl as the funds generated by the sale of the actual stamp.”
Complete contest rules and entry forms for the 2019 contest are available online at www.outdooralabama.com/programs/waterfowl-stamp-art-contest-ruless. Artists may also receive an entry form by emailing Seth Maddox at seth.maddox@dcnr.alabama.gov, or by calling 334-242-3469.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
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