Stephen Hamrick has won the 2012 Minnesota Migratory Waterfowl Stamp contest with his rendition of a ruddy duck.
Hamrick's was the winning design from among 26 entries in the contest sponsored by the DNR.
Thirteen entries advanced to the second stage of judging, from which four finalists were selected. Other finalists were second-place winner Thomas Buchal of Mahtomedi; third-place winner Ron Van Guilder of Cedar; and fourth-place winner Thomas Moen of Montrose.
The $7.50 duck stamp is required of Minnesota waterfowl hunters ages 18-64. Stamp sales generate between $500,000 and $900,000 annually for habitat in state wildlife management areas and shallow lakes.
The winning artist retains the right to reproduce the work. Each year, entries are limited to a predetermined species that breeds or migrates through Minnesota.
The 2013 stamp will be the northern pintail.
