# Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's national art-and-conservation contest: K-12 students submit waterfowl artwork through state contests, and the national winner's design becomes the annual Junior Duck Stamp.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Category | arts |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | Hybrid (in person + online) |
| Location | Various |
| Apply | https://www.fws.gov/program/junior-duck-stamp |

## About this program

# 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.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program?

Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program online or in person?

Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program is a hybrid program with both online and in-person components (in-person portions in Various).

### How do I apply to Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program?

Apply directly through U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-06.
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