Young Artists: Enter the 2024 Wyoming Junior Duck Stamp Competition

Are you a young artist in Wyoming looking to showcase your talent? The National Elk Refuge has announced the 2024 Wyoming Junior Duck Stamp Competition, and they are inviting students from across the state to participate. This artistic endeavor is a competition and a celebration of native North American waterfowl. When stamps are purchased, the revenue aids in conservation efforts.

Who Can Participate?

Open to all students in grades K-12 enrolled in Wyoming public, private, tribal, and homeschools. Whether you’re a kindergartener picking up a brush for the first time or a high school senior with years of experience, your artwork is welcome!

How to Enter:

Create a drawing or painting of a native North American waterfowl (you can find a full list of eligible species on the competition website). Once your artwork on a 9”x12” sheet of paper is ready, mail it to the National Elk Refuge at 675 E. Broadway, PO Box 510, Jackson WY 83001. It should be postmarked by March 15, 2024.

Starting mid-January through early March, young artists can pick up participation packets from the National Elk Refuge and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center located at 532 N. Cache St. These packets include instructions and an entry form and also art supplies like 9×12 paper, tagboard, and watercolor paper. Need more supplies or reference materials? Email Raena_Parsons@fws.gov.

Judging and Prizes:

In early April, local wildlife artists and outdoor professionals will judge the artwork. There will be 36 winners and 64 honorable mentions across four age groups, each receiving prizes. And there’s something new this year – two “Best of Jackson Hole” winners for Teton County, one for grades K-6 and another for 7-12, alongside the state best-of-show winner. The top entry from Wyoming will advance to compete in the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Competition. The winning design from this national contest will be printed on the next year’s Junior Duck Stamp and sold for $5 each, supporting wetland conservation and environmental education.

Stamp Program Began in 1934

The Federal Duck Stamp Program, initiated in 1934, has been important to wetland and waterfowl conservation. It has been used to address the loss of habitat and declining waterfowl populations. The Junior Duck Stamp Program extends this legacy, encouraging youth to engage in art, wildlife observation, and learning about conservation.

How to Get Started:

Review the competition rules on the Junior Duck Stamp Contest Information page and get your entries to the National Elk Refuge by March 15th, 2024. If you have questions or need more information, contact the Wyoming Junior Duck Stamp Coordinator, Raena Parsons, at raena_parsons@fws.gov.