Ft. Washington, MD (October 30, 1998) -- Maryland artists...it's time to get quackin'. The 1999-2000 Maryland Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Design Contest opens next week. Maryland's Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Design Contest opens Nov. 2 and closes March 15, 1999. The contest is open to Maryland residents only.

In its 26th year, the annual design competition, more familiarly known as the duck stamp contest, is the mechanism for choosing the artwork that is reproduced in stamp form and required to be affixed to waterfowl hunting licenses. Duck stamps are also widely collected and treasured for their uniqueness and beauty.

"This is the third year the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) have jointly sponsored this event that brings out the best in Maryland's art community," said DNR Secretary John R. Griffin. "The works created for this competition are truly inspirational and act as constant reminders of why wise management of our natural resources is so important."

Questions about the eligibility of waterfowl species may be referred to Chris Wagnon at (301) 627-2270. For contest entry forms, rules and guidelines artists should contact Jeneanne Hunter at (301) 292-8331.

As in recent years, the 1999-2000 duck stamp contest will be judged during the Patuxent Wildlife Art Show and Sale. Judging begins promptly at noon on March 27, 1999 at Harmony Hall Regional Center in Fort Washington, located at 10701 Livingston Road.Contestants and the public are invited to attend and witness the judging process.

Proceeds from the sale of duck stamps goes to the Wildlife Management and Protection Fund. The fund has helped finance more than 1,000 wood duck nesting boxes, wetland construction projects totaling more than 700 acres and repair and maintenance of more than 7,000 acres of existing wetlands.

The 1998-99 stamp was designed by 21 year-old Paul Makuchal of Pocomoke City, thought to be the contest's youngest winner. His work depicts a pair of pintails along a winter shoreline. His entry beat out 48 others for the honor.

Entries in this year's contest will be on display in the gallery at Harmony Hall Regional Center from March 27 until April 14, 1999. During the contest's judging, Maryland's entries in the 1999 Federal Junior Duck Stamp Scholarship Competition will also be on display. The federal junior duck stamp program is open to kindergarten through 12th grade sudents attending public, private or home schools in the U.S.

For more information call (410) 260-8012 or visit the DNR website at http://www.dnr.state.md.us, information will be posted on the site soon!