2012 Iowa Duck Stamp - by Darren Maurer

I received some great news late yesterday afternoon. My painting of a pair of blue wing teal won first place in the Iowa Duck Stamp competition. The image will be used as the 2012 Iowa Duck Stamp and also for the 2012 Iowa Ducks Unlimited sponsor print. The stamps and prints are used to raise multi-thousands of dollars directed at waterfowl conservation each year. This is my fifth win in designing the state's yearly duck stamp. Five stamp designs make me the all time leader in winning designs in the 40 year history of the competition with three other artists tied with three each. I always feel a great deal of honor being included with all the great artists on the list. Stamps and prints will be available in January of 2012.