The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service still seeks student entries for the 2008 Junior Duck Stamp competition. Deadline for entries to be postmarked is by midnight March 15, 2008.

The Georgia Junior Duck Stamp competition recognizes Georgia’s top student waterfowl artists. Public, private, and home-schooled students, as well as art studio students from kindergarten though high school, are invited to compete for recognition, prizes and scholarships in an activity promoting conservation of America’s wetlands and waterfowl habitat.

Each year, hundreds of Georgia students compete to win these top honors. Teachers may use an integrated science and art curriculum provided by the Service. Each participating student must research and then artistically depict a duck, goose or other waterfowl species native to North America on paper. All artwork submitted must be an original 9” x 12” horizontal image of North American ducks, geese or swans.

In 2007, with the encouragement from teachers and parents, over 670 Georgia students participated in the four grade categories: K-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12. All participants receive a certificate of appreciation.

Entries with official forms should be mailed to Georgia Junior Duck Stamp Program, USFWS, 1875 Century Boulevard, Suite 240, Atlanta, Georgia, 30345 and must be postmarked by midnight, March 15, 2008, to be eligible. Additional contest information and an official entry form can be obtained by calling Resee Collins, Georgia Coordinator, at (404) 679-7051.

A total of 100 winners and one Best of Show will be selected from the four different age groups.

The contest will take place at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Office in Atlanta in April, when First, Second, Third, and Honorable Mention winning artwork will be selected. The winning Georgia Best of Show will be sent on to compete nationally at the San Diego Zoo in April. The national first place entry is then used as the Federal Junior Duck Stamp, which is sold through the U.S Postal Service for $5 per stamp. Proceeds from the sale of Junior Duck Stamps support conservation education and provide awards and scholarships for the students, teachers and schools participating in the program.

For more information about the Junior Duck Stamp Contest, please e-mail Resee_Collins@fws.gov or telephone 404 679-7051.