UPDATE: Refuge to host Federal Duck Stamp Contest winner
UPDATE: The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge reported that because of the Wildlife Drive closure following Hurricane Milton, Chuck Black’s visit on Oct. 24 has been postponed.
Each year, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service selects a winning duck stamp for the following year from some 200 contestants. The winning duck stamp artist becomes somewhat of a celebrity, and the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge has the honor of hosting an appearance by the annual winner.
Named for the man responsible for creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, the refuge — with support from the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) — schedules the artist’s appearance to coincide with Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling’s mid-October birthday.
The 2024-25 Federal Duck Stamp Contest winner, Chuck Black, will make his appearance on Oct. 24 for a free 1 p.m. talk open to the public. A stamp-signing opportunity will follow his presentation.
The Montana artist worked as a wildlife biologist for seven years before devoting himself to his first love — wildlife art. His wins for the California and Colorado state duck stamp contests led to a decision to paint full-time.
“Chuck’s winning portrait of a northern pintail is stunning,” DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman said. “We look forward to welcoming such a talented and promising artist to the refuge as part of a long tradition that honors our namesake, who designed the first duck stamp in 1934.”
Proceeds from the duck stamp program have purchased 6 million acres of wetlands as preserved habitat in its 90 years of existence.
For more information about event, contact Wildman at wildman@dingdarlingsociety.org.