New waterfowl print available July 1

By Courtesy NCWRC
Published in Sports on June 19, 2009 1:46 PM

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Courtesy NCWRC

RALEIGH -- "Wigeon Trio," the 2009 N.C. Waterfowl Conservation Stamp and Print, will be available through the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission's N.C. Wild Store beginning July 1.

Signed and numbered regular-edition prints with mint stamps will sell for $145. The collector's mint stamp will sell for $10.

The acrylic portrait, which depicts a trio of beautifully patterned American wigeons resting among the cattails, was painted by Gerald Putt, a nationally renowned wildlife artist from Boiling Springs, Pa.

"Wigeon Trio" marks Putt's fifth honor as artist for the North Carolina Waterfowl Conservation Stamp and Print, also known as the duck stamp. In addition to painting the Illinois State Duck Stamp three times and placing in the top 20 in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Federal Duck Stamp contest many times, Putt has won Pennsylvania's prestigious duck stamp contest an unprecedented eight times -- more than twice that of any other artist.

Proceeds from sales of the print and stamps will go to the Commission's Waterfowl Fund, which generates revenue for the conservation of waterfowl habitat in North Carolina. The money is used to help North Carolina meet its financial obligations in implementing the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, the international agreement helping restore waterfowl populations throughout the continent.

In addition, funds have been used to support waterfowl research and to buy equipment used to manage wetlands.

To purchase a print and mint stamp or for additional information, telephone either the Wildlife Resources Commission at (866) 945-3746 or visit the agency's online N.C. Wild Store at www.ncwildstore.com.