Delta Congratulates James Hautman on 2025 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest Win
The Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp has generated more than $1.3 billion for conservation since 1934
James Hautman of Chaska, Minnesota, has won the 2025 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest with his stunning acrylic painting of three buffleheads. His artwork will be featured on the 2026-2027 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the “Duck Stamp,” which will be available for purchase in late June 2026. His win marks a record seventh time Hautman has claimed this prestigious honor.
The contest, held at the Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel, Maryland, drew 290 entries this year. Eligible species included wood ducks, gadwall, cinnamon teal, buffleheads, and ruddy ducks. Second place went to Thomas E. Miller of Kilkenny, Minnesota, for his acrylic painting of a cinnamon teal, while Jeffrey Mobley of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was awarded third place for his acrylic painting of a bufflehead.
“The stamp created using James’ art will serve as a lasting reminder of our rich waterfowl hunting heritage,” said service director Brian Nesvik in a release issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “I encourage everyone, including those who do not hunt, to buy a Duck Stamp, which raises millions of dollars to conserve wildlife and healthy wetland habitats for waterfowl and numerous other species.”
The USFWS produces the Federal Duck Stamp, which raises approximately $40 million in sales each year. Since its inception in 1934, the Federal Duck Stamp program has generated more than $1.3 billion to conserve over 6 million acres of habitat.
“Congratulations to James Hautman and all of the artists who entered a painting in support of waterfowl conservation,” said Paul Wait, senior manager of communications for Delta Waterfowl who previously served as a judge during the 2020 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest. “The Federal Duck Stamp Contest is a wonderful showcase of talented artists that highlights one of the most successful conservation programs in the world.”
Waterfowl hunters aged 16 and older are required to purchase a current stamp, which also grants free entry to any national wildlife refuge that charges an admission fee. Duck stamps are available at post offices, many national wildlife refuges, sporting goods stores, and online. —Christy Sweigart
Image Description: Judges at the 2025 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest hold the winning artwork. Left to Right: Gene Clater, Paul Padding, Judy Camuso, Tom Landwehr, David Turner (alternate) and Margie Crisp.
Image Credit: 2025 Federal Duck Stamp Contest, Vanessa Kauffman/USFWS, Public Domain, https://www.fws.gov/media/2025-federal-duck-stamp-contest