2012 Colorado Waterfowl Stamp Art Contest
Each year, the Colorado Waterfowl Stamp Program holds a contest for original waterfowl artwork to be depicted on the Colorado waterfowl stamp. A stamp and a print of the stamp are created for sale to waterfowl and wetland enthusiasts, bird watchers, and stamp and print collectors. The funds are used for wetland projects that benefit ducks, geese, shorebirds and other wetland-dependent wildlife species.
The species for the 2012 contest is the Ross’s Goose (Chen rossii). Here is the 2012 Waterfowl Stamp Contest Announcement and application form 
. First prize is $3,500, second prize $1,00 and third prize $500! Entries will be accepted through Friday, March 2, 2012, 4:00 p.m., MST.
About the Waterfowl Stamp Program
Learn about the history, accomplishments and challenges of the waterfowl stamp program in this article from the 2010 Colorado Outdoors Hunting Guide.
The Colorado Waterfowl Stamp Program is designed to conserve wetlands for waterfowl and water birds. All revenue generated from the sale of the hunter version of the Waterfowl Stamp (more than $6.7 million to date) is used to fund wetlands projects throughout the state. More than 19,500 acres of wetlands have been protected with Waterfowl Stamp funds. Participation in the Waterfowl Stamp Program by hunters and non-hunters alike is an effective way to contribute to the conservation of this precious resource. Wetlands conservation efforts of the Waterfowl Stamp Program improve habitat for ducks, geese, and more than 500 other species of shorebirds, songbirds, amphibians and reptiles.
The Waterfowl Stamp Program is part of the larger Colorado Division of Wildlife wetlands conservation effort. The Division of Wildlife's Wetlands Program seeks to conserve wetlands through voluntary, incentive-based, means. Since 1997, approximately $20 million has been spent on the completion of wetlands restoration or enhancement projects, or on the purchase of wetlands protection in the form of conservation easements and fee titles. This funding has come from a variety of sources, including:
Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation
Ducks Unlimited
The Nature Conservancy
Partners For Fish Wildlife
Great Outdoors Colorado
Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
The Colorado Division of Wildlife, and other numerous partners.
Visit the Wetlands Program page to find information on types of wetlands, lists of wetland-dependent species, project reports on wetland projects in Colorado, and a description of how the Waterfowl Stamp Program fits in Colorado's overall wetlands conservation effort.
To Purchase a Stamp
Colorado requires all waterfowl hunters to buy a Colorado hunting license (either a small game or a combination license) with a Colorado duck stamp verification, in addition to the federal duck stamp. An actual stamp can be requested at the time the hunting license is purchased and will be mailed to the purchaser.
To Order a Collectors Stamp
Collector Waterfowl Stamps are available at the Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation. Previous years stamps are also available. Note: Collector Waterfowl stamps do not afford hunting privileges.
To Order an Art Print of the Stamp
Art prints of the Colorado Waterfowl Stamp may be purchased by contacting Aaron Wester, Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation, at aaron.wester@cwhf.info.