Students can enter Duck Stamp art project

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2004 | 9:47 a.m.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is looking for student artists to compete in the 2004 Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Contest, which is now under way.

The duck stamp design contest is open to all students grades K-12.

Entries must be original, hand-created drawings of live North American ducks, geese or swans. Copies of previous duck stamp contest winners, published pictures and computer-generated pictures will not be accepted.

A panel of state judges will select three first place, three second place, three third place and 16 honorable mention winners from each age group. These artists will receive ribbons and prizes. All entrants will receive a certificate.

The first place winner at the national contest will receive a $4,000 cash award and a trip to Washington, D.C. along with his/her art teacher and one parent to attend the judging of the adult Federal Duck Stamp Contest.

The winning stamp design will be printed as the 2004 Junior Duck Stamp, and also may be reproduced on cards, calendars, and other souvenirs.

The second place national winner will receive a $2,000 cash award, and the third place national winner will receive a $1,000 cash award.

Guidelines and entry forms for the contest can be obtained by calling Donna Withers, Nevada Junior Duck Stamp Coordinator, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge in Fallon, (775) 423-5128 or visiting the website at http:// duckstamps.fws.gov.

Deadline for entry is March 15.