AUGUSTA — The 16th year of statewide competition for the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest is under way. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service invites students in grades kindergarten to 12 to create designs featuring ducks, swans or geese in their natural habitats.

Designs are judged in four age categories, with awards for first, second and third places and honorable mentions. Entries must be postmarked by March 15, 2010.

The Maine Best of Show entry will compete with contest winners from other states in a national competition. The first-place national winning design is used to create the Federal Junior Duck Stamp. Proceeds from the sale of junior duck stamps (which cost $5 each) support conservation education by providing awards and scholarships for students, teachers and schools.

The 2009 Best of Show for Maine was a wood duck by Cory McMillan of Lamoine.

Contest rules and entry forms are available for download at www.fws.gov/juniorduck/. Children who are home schooled are also eligible.
For more information on the contest, call Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge at 236-6970, ext. 11.