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.
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.
Submission Forms/Reference Forms/Mailing Information:
ALL ENTRIES NEED TO HAVE A SUBMISSION FORM. PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINKS BELOW FOR THE UPDATED FORMS.
Entries are due MARCH 15th EVERY YEAR. Please mail entries to:
Attn: JDS - Molly Maupin
1346 Blue Oaks Blvd.,
Roseville, CA 95678
Junior Duck Stamp Entry Forms (Grades K-12) DUe march 15th
JDS entry form English (Grades K-12)JDS entry form Spanish (Grades K-12)
Reference form English (Grades 7-12)
Reference form Spanish (Grades 7-12)
Junior Duck Stamp Resources
New to the contest? No problem! Check out these resources for more information about how to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions - at-home submissions (Grades K-12)
Eligible Species List (Grades K-12)
How to fill out the JDS entry form (Grades K-12)
Parent JDS entry form example (Grades K-12)
Parent JDS entry form example-WITH CIRCLES (Grades K-12)
Waterfowl Drawing Guide (Grades K-12)
Junior Duck Stamp Video Lessons With Activities
Teaching students about Junior Duck Stamp? Here are some videos and activities to help get you started!
What Are Waterfowl?
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
JUNIOR DUCK STAMP CURRICULUM GUIDES (GRADES K-12)
These guides are full of activities and resources to teach your students about the Junior Duck Stamp Program in your classroom.
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
Want to buy your own duck stamp?
Buy a Junior Duck Stamp from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service here.
More Questions?
Contact Molly Maupin at mmaupin@calwaterfowl.org or (916) 532-9682.
