Chuck Black Wins 2023 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest

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Chuck Black’s oil painting of a northern pintail was chosen as the 2023 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest winner. The announcement arrived after two days of in-person judging at the Olmstead Center at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

Black’s entry was one of 199 entries in the 2023 contest. The Belgrade, Montana, artist’s work will be featured on the 2024-2025 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, a.k.a. “Duck Stamp,” which will go on sale for $25 in late June 2024.

Eligible species for this year’s Federal Duck Stamp Contests included the snow goose, American black duck, northern pintail, ring-necked duck, and harlequin. Adam Grimm of Wallace, South Dakota, took second place with an acrylic painting of a pair of northern pintails, while Gerald Mobley of Claremore, Oklahoma, placed third with an acrylic painting of a northern pintail.

View the online gallery of entries here.

“I encourage everyone to buy a Duck Stamp as they have such a significant impact in conserving wetlands for waterfowl and so many other species,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service director Martha Williams. “The art entries for this contest are impressive, and they serve as an important reminder of the wildlife and habitats the Duck Stamp is designed to protect.”

Since the Federal Duck Stamp was first established in 1934, sales have raised more than $1.2 billion to conserve over 6 million acres of habitat for birds and other wildlife, as well as provide hunting and other recreational opportunities at national wildlife refuges.

Waterfowl hunters age 16 and older are required to purchase and carry the current Federal Duck Stamp. Additionally, a current Federal Duck Stamp can be used for free admission to any national wildlife refuge that charges an entry fee.

In 2023—for the first time in Federal Duck Stamp Contest history—the judging panel was comprised entirely of females. The judges for this year’s Contest included Gail Anderson, MJ Davis, Rebecca Humphries, Rue Mapp, Dr. Karen Waldrop, and alternate judge Jennifer Scully.

Duck stamps are available at U.S. post office locations, many national wildlife refuges, sporting goods retailers or online.—Christy Sweigart

Images courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service