Nevada – -(Ammoland.com)- The Nevada Waterfowl Association (NWA) has selected the Bufflehead as the species for this year’s Nevada Duck Stamp Art Contest.
The contest is sanctioned by the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners (NBWC), with the winning artwork to be featured on the 2016-2017 state stamp.
All interested artists are encouraged to enter the contest, whether residing in Nevada or elsewhere. Entries must be an original creation, in any drawing medium and must be received by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) no later than October 16, 2015. Contest rules are available on the NDOW website at ndow.org, or by calling (775) 688-1998 for more information.
The name Bufflehead refers to its large bulbous shaped head. This is most noticeable when the male puffs out the feathers on the head, which greatly increases the apparent size.
The Bufflehead is one of the smaller ducks ranging from 13–16 inches long with the drakes larger than the females. Adult males are striking black and white, with iridescent green and purple heads with a large white patch behind the eye. Females are grey-toned with a smaller white patch behind the eye and a light underside.
Entries will be judged by seven individuals, including two members of the NBWC and five others as appointed by the NWA. The names of the top ten finalists will be announced by NDOW on November 16, 2015.
In the state of Nevada, any person 12-64 years old who hunts any migratory bird except mourning or white-winged dove, snipe, coot or moorhen (gallinule) is required to purchase a state duck stamp. Money from the sale of Nevada Duck Stamps is used for projects approved by the Commission for the protection and propagation of migratory game birds, and for the acquisition, development and preservation of wetlands in Nevada.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. Find us on Facebook, Twitter or visit us at www.ndow.org.