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

Pennsylvania Game Commissionlede
Pennsylvania Game Commissionlede

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

New for 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke in 450 Bushmaster

Christensen Arms has announced the release of the Evoke rifle chambered in powerful 450 Bushmaster.

Oklahoma Wildlife Commission Passes Rules for Nonresident Hunters, Public Hunting Lands

New emergency rules and resolutions for public hunting lands were approved last month by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission.

First Look: Premium and Premium Deluxe Die Sets From Redding Reloading Equipment

Redding Reloading Equipment has expanded its Premium Die Set and Premium Deluxe Die Set product lines, including over seventy of the most popular cartridges in the industry today.

Junior Hunter Gear: Get Your Kids Into the Field

Looking for ways to get your fields out from behind the screens and into the great outdoors this summer? Check out these great pieces of outdoor kit to help spur the process.

Stealth Cam Adds On-Demand Livestream

Shortly after teasing the launch of its new trail camera functionality at the 2025 SHOT Show, Stealth Cam has announced that On Demand Live Stream is available via the Command Pro app.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.