Are you a parent, teacher, or student leader that would like to have your students participate in the Junior Duck Stamp Program? This page is for you. Here you will find all of the information you need to make the program a success for both you and your students!
What is the Junior Duck Stamp Program?
US Fish and WIldlife Service runs this incredible art contest every year that is based on the Federal Duck Stamp Contest. If you hunt, to hunt waterfowl you have to purchase a duck stamp. Every year, they have a contest to see who's drawing will be on the stamp that the hunters will need to purchase. The Jr. contest is basically the same art contest, but open only to students in Grades K - 12. It is a great way for students to learn about wildlife, conservation, and art as well!
For every art piece that is mailed and entered into the California State Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest, the state receives $1 for each entry from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to go toward conservation education programs.
The entry deemed Best of Show goes on to the federal contest, where the winner becomes that year’s Federal Junior Duck Stamp.
What are Junior Duck Stamps used for?
Junior Duck Stamps raise money for youth conservation education and promote nature awareness, nature-inspired art skills, information about the National Wildlife Refuge system and the role of hunting in conservation. They are not a mandatory stamp for hunting, but rather an optional purchase.
How do I get started?
Ok - so now that you know a little about the program, how do you teach your students about it and get them involved? Check out these amazing resources below!
JUNIOR DUCK STAMP CURRICULUM GUIDES (GRADES K-12)
Junior Duck Stamp Homeschool Guide (Grades K-12)
Junior Duck Stamp Non-formal Educator Guide (13MB) (Grades K-12)
Junior Duck Stamp Teacher Guide (Grades K-12)
Junior Duck Stamp Youth Guide (Grades K-12)
How to DrAW A DUCK TUTORIAL:
Use this video to teach your elementary age students a simple and fun way to draw a duck.
- How to draw a duck, example 1
- How to draw a duck, example 2
- CWA's detailed waterfowl ID and drawing guide
wHAT ARE WATERFOWL VIDEO:
Ideal for children in grades 2-5, this video explains what makes waterfowl special in the bird world. Be sure to check out the worksheet (PDF), too!
dRAKE OR HEN vIDEO:
Ideal for children in grades Pre-K -5, this video explains how to tell the difference between drakes and hens. Scroll below the video for the worksheet and game!
Drake or hen worksheet (PDF) - grades 3-5
Drake or hen worksheet key (PDF)
Drake or hen game (PowerPoint - 34MB) - grades Pre-K -5
Submission Forms/Reference Forms/Mailing Information:
ALL ENTRIES NEED TO HAVE A SUBMISSION FORM. PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINKS FOR THE UPDATED FORMS.
The contest updates the entry form and mailing information every year. Please follow this link for CA: California forms and contest informationIf you are participating out of state, please follow this link: all state forms and contest info
Want to buy your own duck stamp?
Buy a Junior Duck Stamp from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service here.
