USFWS Announces Winner of 2019 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest

by
posted on September 30, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
federalduckstamp2020-2021_lead.jpg
courtesy of USFWS
The 2019 Federal Duck Stamp Contest winner has been announced by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Principal Deputy Director Margaret Everson, as Alabama artist Eddie LeRoy.

Hailing from Eufala, Ala., LeRoy's acrylic painting featuring a pair of black-bellied whistling ducks will be made into the 2020-2021 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, or “Duck Stamp," slated to go on sale in late-June 2020. The Duck Stamp, which sells for $25, raises some $40 million in sales each year, which goes to support critical conservation to protect wetland habitats in the National Wildlife Refuge System. In the 85 years since its establishment, sales of the Duck Stamp have raised more that $1 billion for the conservation of over 6 million acres of wildlife habitat, further contributing to increased opportunities for hunting and recreation on public land. 

Waterfowl hunters aged 16 and older are required to purchase and carry the current Federal Duck Stamp. Many non-hunters, including birdwatchers, conservationists, stamp collectors and others also purchase the stamp in support of habitat conservation. Additionally, a current Federal Duck Stamp can be used for free admission to any national wildlife refuge that charges an entry fee.

This year's runner up was Cory McLaughlin of Wells, Texas, who submitted a similarly-themed work in oil of a black-bellied whistling-duck pair. Frank Mittelstadt of Beaver Dam, Wis., meanwhile, took third with a bufflehead pair in acrylic. To check out all 190 entries in this year's competition, including the 13 finalists, please visit the contest's flickr page

"These artists are extremely talented, and the quality of the art is matched by the incredible conservation work funded by Duck Stamp sales," said U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. USFWS Principal Deputy Director Margaret Everson echoed his praise for the program and the conservation efforts it allows, remarking, "I’m proud to be part of an event with the rich tradition of the Duck Stamp Contest. The first one took place in 1949, and 70 years later, the contest—and the wetland conservation work it supports—is going stronger than ever.”

To purchase a Federal Duck Stamp online, click here. For more information on the Duck Stamp Contest itself, check out their page; and to learn more about the great work of the USFWS, visit their website at fws.gov.

Additional Reading:
• USFWS Announces Winner of 2018 National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest
• 2019-20 Federal Duck Stamp Theme Celebrates Waterfowl Hunting Heritage
• USFWS Announces Winner of National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest

Latest

LEDENRA 7
LEDENRA 7

Year-Round Gear Care

Every fall season I hear one or two horror stories involving equipment failures in the field. All too often these stories include personal injuries. Let's take a few minutes to help you avoid such costly circumstances.

New for 2026: Mossberg Maverick Semi-Automatic Shotgun

Mossberg has introduced its Maverick SA Semi-Auto line of shotguns, engineered to be multi-season workhorses, chambered for both 2.75-inch and 3-inch shotshells and featuring a 6-shot capacity.

First Look: Blocker Outdoors Finisher Chest Pack Pro

The Blocker Outdoors Finisher Chest Pack Pro is the kind of gear that takes the basic tenets of turkey hunting into consideration, while attempting to minimize the burden of a cumbersome full-size vest. This makes it a a straightforward alternative to a full-size turkey vest for run-and-gun hunters who want to balance loadout with freedom of movement.

The Value of Post Season Scouting in the Snow

Although for most of the country deer season is over, there are some important aspects of deer hunting to be understood, particularly when it snows during the winter months. In my part of the country, we don’t often get a good blanket of snow until the deer season closes. However, when it does snow, I make a point to get outdoors and visit each of my hunting areas to learn when the learning is best.

Tuo Introduces New Camouflage Pattern: Ryse

Tuo launched its proprietary Verse camo pattern in 2024. While the supplemental light tans and sharp lines render effectiveness in wooded environments as well, Tuo wanted to offer a second exclusive pattern for whitetail hunters. It has done so with Ryse.

New for 2026: SIG Sauer Zulu10 HDX Binoculars

SIG Sauer’s new Zulu10 HDX binoculars are engineered for hunters and shooters who prioritize optical performance and mechanical precision as much as durability.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.