# Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service program pairing an art- and science-based conservation curriculum with a national design contest. Students study wetland and waterfowl conservation, then express what they learned through an original piece of waterfowl artwork entered in their state's contest. ## What You'll Do - Learn wetland ecology and wildlife management principles through the program's conservation curriculum - Create an original artwork featuring eligible North American waterfowl species in its habitat - Enter your state's Junior Duck Stamp contest, where entries are judged by grade group - Advance to the national contest if your work is chosen Best of Show for your state ## Who Should Apply Students in kindergarten through grade 12 across the United States — high schoolers compete in the oldest grade group. It fits wildlife artists, birders, and students combining art with environmental science. State entry deadlines vary, so check your state coordinator's dates early in the school year. ## Outcomes The national Best of Show artwork becomes the design of the next Junior Duck Stamp, which goes on sale at the end of June each year, with all stamp revenue supporting recognition and environmental education for participating students. State and national winners receive recognition through one of the longest-running federal youth conservation programs.