A northern pintail painted by David Chapman of Minnetonka will be featured on the 2013 Minnesota Migratory Waterfowl Stamp.
Chapman's winning design for the state Duck Stamp was chosen from 18 entries in the contest sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the conservation agency announced Monday.
Chapman's artwork has won many times dating back to 1992 in DNR wildlife stamp contests, twice previously for Duck Stamps in 2005 and 2006. The others were for pheasant and turkey stamps.
The $7.50 stamp is required of all Minnesota waterfowl hunters ages 18 through 64. Stamp sales generate about $700,000 per year for waterfowl habitat enhancement projects on state wildlife management areas and shallow lakes.
The DNR offers no prizes for the stamp contest winner, but the winning artist retains the right to reproduce the work.
Other finalists this year were Steven Trofka of Maple Grove, second place, Don Walvatne of Minneapolis, third, and Mark Thone of Shakopee, fourth.
Judges for the contest were DNR conservation officer Mitch Boyum, Brad Nylin of the Minnesota Waterfowl Association, Paul Richert of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, outdoor writer Nick Ronning and Greg Berg of Custom Art Concepts.
PAUL WALSH
