Maryland DNR Stamp Contest Open for Submissions

If you're a hunter and an artist, then the Marland Department of Natural Resources has two contests that can help you leave your mark on hunting badges across the state.

The 17th annual Black Bear Conservation and 39th annual Migratory Game Bird stamp design contests are open and ready for submissions, according to the DNR.

Artists can submit their original artwork for the contests through March 15.  The Department of Natural Resources will judge the contest entries on March 24 at the Patuxent National Wildlife Visitors Center in Laurel in conjunction with the 24th Annual Patuxent Wildlife Art Show.

The Black Bear Conservation Stamp contest is open to both residents and non-residents and requires a $10 entry fee. Proceeds will compensate farmers in Maryland who have had black bears damage their crops.

To enter, contestants must mail their designs with required entry fee and forms to: Patricia Handy, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife & Heritage Service, 580 Taylor Avenue, E-1 Annapolis, MD 21401, and received by 4 p.m. Friday, March 15.

Migratory Game Bird Stamp contest is open to Maryland residents only. Each contestant may submit up to three entries ($15 for one entry; $20 for two entries; $30 for three). Proceeds from the sale of these stamps help fund waterfowl and migratory game bird projects and research.

To enter, contestants must mail their designs with required entry fee and forms to: The Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest, Friends of Patuxent, Patuxent Research Refuge/National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708-4027.

For complete contest rules and entry forms, artists should visit dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/ or contact Patricia Handy at phandy@dnr.state.md.us or 410-260-8537.

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