How cool would it be to have an NES member submit and win?
News Release
Calling All Wildlife Artists
MassWildlife needs a few good wildlife artists to submit entries for the 2007 wildlife stamps! Each year, MassWildlife issues three wildlife stamps: an archery stamp, a primitive firearms stamp and a waterfowl stamp. The stamps are issued both in full color hard copy and in a black and white version for those hunters who choose to purchase their licenses on line. Archery and primitive firearms stamps, produced since 1960 and divided into two separate stamps in 1992, feature the same artwork with different text and borders. Waterfowl stamps, which were first issued in 1973, feature decoys created by deceased Massachusetts decoy makers. All three of these stamps feature artwork selected through open competition. The first deadline is for the archery/primitive firearms stamp contest on May 31, 2006 and the subject is the artist's choice. The deadline for entries into the waterfowl stamp contest is July 31, 2006. Subject must be a Massachusetts-made decoy in one of the qualifying species.
Wildlife stamps are vital to wildlife management in Massachusetts in that they generate a significant amount of revenue which is used directly to enhance vital wildlife habitat. The stamps are not only required for certain hunters who often collect them; other stamp collectors and conservationists purchase stamps as well. Last year, MassWildlife sold 11,539 waterfowl stamps, 26,236 archery stamps and 29,345 primitive firearms stamps for a total of $335,543.
Through the competitions, MassWildlife wins the right to generate and reproduce a stamp using the winning artwork. The winner receives an engraved plaque, maintains ownership of the original artwork and prepares prints which are of very specific interest to members of the Massachusetts Bowhunters' Association, Ducks Unlimited, and to sportsmen and women throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.
Full sets of stamps are on display at MassWildlife's Field Headquarters in Westboro and a detailed history of the waterfowl stamp program is chronicled in a volume published by the Peabody Essex Museum of Salem. Questions about stamp competition rules, regulations, or procedures may be directed to Ellie Horwitz or Jill Durand at 508/792-7270.
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