Wicomico County Artist Wins Maryland’s 31st Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest For The Second Time

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LAUREL ― Wilhelm Goebel of Salisbury took home top honors for the second time at the 31st Annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest with his painting of a ruddy duck. His work was selected from a field of 36 entries by five qualified judges on Saturday, at the Patuxent Wildlife Art Show at the Patuxent National Wildlife Visitor’s Center in Laurel.

Goebel’s work is well known in wildlife circles. Born in New Jersey, his talents as a world-class wildlife artist are supported by his selection as a winning artist in duck, trout and conservation stamp contests in many different states. In 1997, his surf scoters won the highly coveted Federal Duck Stamp Competition. In 2001, he won his first Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp contest with a pair of widgeon springing skyward from a cattail marsh.

In addition to his past success in the Federal Duck Stamp Competition, his most prestigious awards include Ducks Unlimited’s International Artist of the Year, the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Artist of the Year and Stamp Print Artist of the Year, and Maryland’s Grand National Waterfowl Association’s Artist of the Year. His artwork has benefited wildlife through organizations such as Pheasants Forever, Quail Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, Wildlife Forever and the National Wild Turkey Federation. A solo exhibition of his work was held this past summer at the Ward Museum of Wildlife Art in Salisbury.

The Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest, the fourth oldest in the United States, has showcased the talents of Maryland’s artists since 1974. The contest serves as the selection mechanism for the Maryland “Duck Stamp” which is a required purchase by all those who hunt migratory game birds in Maryland (hunters are reminded that they are no longer required to sign and attach the stamp to their license). The stamps are also highly coveted by stamp enthusiasts worldwide. Proceeds from the sale of the stamps have generated over $4 million to create and improve habitats and conduct valuable wildlife research.

Prints of the winning entry will be available later this year and purchased directly through Mr. Goebel at 410-749-9564 or e-mail at wjgoebel@intercom.net.

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April 6, 2005

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 446,000 acres of public lands and 18,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov