DNR Encourages Maryland Waterfowl Artists to Enter the 34th Annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest

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ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service invites Maryland artists to participate in the 34th Annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest.

“Proceeds from the sale of these stamps help to fund waterfowl and migratory game bird enhancement projects as well as much needed research,” said Paul Peditto, Director of DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service.

All entered designs must be the artist's original work, neither copied nor duplicated from any previously published paintings, drawings, prints, or photographs of the contestant, or any other artist. Each contestant may submit up to three entries. The entry fee, signed "Agreement to Enter the Contest"  form, and entries with completed "Entry Identification Forms" attached to the back must be received via mail by 4:00 p.m. on March 21, 2008 at The Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest, Friends of Patuxent, Patuxent Research Refuge/National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop Laurel, MD 20708-4027.

Entries will be judged at noon on Saturday, March 29, 2008 in conjunction with the 19th Annual Patuxent Wildlife Art Show at the William G. McGowan Academic Center, Capitol College in Laurel.  Contestants and the public are invited to attend the contest judging process. Admission is free.

The stamp can be purchased by any citizen for $9 and is required for all migratory game bird hunters in Maryland. For a list of species eligible for depiction and full contest rules visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/duckstamp or contact Doug Wigfield, Contest Coordinator, at 410-713-3852 or dwigfield2@dnr.state.md.us.

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December 26, 2007

Contact: Olivia Campbell 410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell ocampbell@dnr.state.md.us

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 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 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 12 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