Oxford, CT – The Connecticut Junior Migratory Bird Conservation (Duck) Stamp Art Competition is accepting submissions through Sunday, March 15.
The agency is encouraging young artists to depict native waterfowl while promoting conservation awareness.
The contest is administered by the Connecticut Waterfowl Association (CWA) since 1987, and is part of a national U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) program that integrates science, art, and conservation education.
The winning artwork, which will be selected as “Best in Show,” will be featured on the 2026 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp and will advance to the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest, where it will compete at the national level.
Eligibility and submission guidelines
The competition is open to all Connecticut students from kindergarten through grade 12.
Participants must create an original drawing or painting of a native waterfowl species, selected from the list provided in the 2024-2025 Federal Junior Duck Stamp Brochure.
Eligible species include mallards, wood ducks, Canada geese, and northern pintails, among others.
Students will compete in four age groups: K-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Judges will select first, second, and third-place winners in each category, with one overall “Best in Show” winner chosen from the first-place entries.
The winning submission will represent Connecticut in the national Junior Duck Stamp Contest, where the top design will be used to create a $5 Junior Duck Stamp.
Submissions must be postmarked by Sunday, March 15, and include a completed entry form.
Students in grades 7-12 are required to submit a reference sheet documenting the sources used to create their artwork to ensure originality.
Conservation through art
The Junior Duck Stamp Conservation Program, established in 1989, aims to educate students about wetland conservation, migratory birds, and wildlife management through artistic expression.
Proceeds from the sale of Junior Duck Stamps fund conservation education and provide scholarships and awards for students, teachers, and schools participating in the program.
Since its inception, the program has engaged thousands of young artists and conservation enthusiasts across the country.
Connecticut’s involvement, led by the Connecticut Waterfowl Association, has provided a platform for students to develop their artistic skills while learning about the ecological importance of waterfowl and wetland habitats.
The Connecticut Waterfowl Association, founded in 1967, is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving wetlands and supporting waterfowl conservation efforts. By administering the state’s Junior Duck Stamp program, the organization aims to instill a sense of environmental stewardship in young participants.
A Legacy of conservation education
The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program operates in all 50 states and U.S. territories, encouraging students to engage with conservation topics through artistic interpretation.
The first national Junior Duck Stamp was issued in 1993, featuring a redhead duck painting by Jason Parsons of Illinois. Each year, the winning national design is printed as a collectible stamp, helping to raise awareness and funding for wetland conservation initiatives.
Winning artwork from the Connecticut contest may be displayed at wildlife festivals, galleries, and educational events throughout the year. The national Junior Duck Stamp Contest is typically held in April, with results announced shortly thereafter.
For students, parents, and educators interested in participating, full contest rules, eligible species lists, and entry forms can be found on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Junior Duck Stamp Program website.
For additional information, inquiries can be directed to Chris Samor at (203) 888-0352 or csamor16@att.net, or Tom Lewoc Jr. at lewoc09@gmail.com.
