Artists Sought to Enter Annual Duck Stamp Contest

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) invites artists to submit their original artwork to the 2024-2025 California Duck Stamp Contest. Submissions will be accepted May 6-June 14.

The artwork must depict the species selected by the California Fish and Game Commission, which for the 2024-2025 hunting season is the mallard. One of the most abundant ducks in the world, and the most abundant duck in North America, these familiar foragers can be seen in practically any environment with fresh water. The males are easily recognized by their iridescent green head and yellow bill, while males and females have a patch of bright blue on their wings. They are swift and agile in the air, cruising at speeds of around 50 miles per hour and having the ability to take off almost vertically from water.

The winning artwork will be reproduced on the 2024-2025 California Duck Stamp. Top submissions will be showcased at the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association, in July.

The contest is open to U.S. residents 18 years or older as of March 20. Entrants need not reside in California. Current and former CDFW employees are ineligible. All entries must be accompanied by a completed participation agreement and entry form. These forms and the official rules are available on line at wildlife.ca.gov/duck- stamp/contest.

The design is to be in full color and in the medium (or combination of mediums) of the artist’s choosing, except that no photographic process, digital art, metallic paints or fluorescent may be used on the finished design. Photographs, computer-generated art, art produced from a computer printer or other computer/ mechanical output device (airbrush method excepted) are not eligible for entry and will be disqualified. The design must be the contestant’s hand drawn creation.

Entries will be judged in June. The judges’ panel, which will consist of experts in the field of ornithology, conservation, and art and printing, will choose first, second, third place winners as well as honorable mention.

CDFW has conducted the annual Duck Stamp Contest since 1971. All proceeds generated from the stamp go directly to waterfowl conservation throughout California.