Laurel, MD. — After two days of competition, James Hautman of Chaska, Minnesota, emerged as the winner of the 2025 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest with an acrylic painting of three buffleheads. The announcement was made at an in-person event and via livestream at Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel, Maryland.
Hautman’s artwork will be made into the 2026-2027 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, or Duck Stamp, which will go on sale in late June 2026. This is Hautman’s seventh time winning the Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest. The Service produces the Federal Duck Stamp, which raises approximately $40 million in sales each year. These funds support conservation of wetland habitats in the National Wildlife Refuge System for the benefit of wildlife and the enjoyment of people.
“The stamp created using James’ art will serve as a lasting reminder of our rich waterfowl hunting heritage,” said Service Director Brian Nesvik. “I encourage everyone, including those who do not hunt, to buy a Duck Stamp, which raises millions of dollars to conserve wildlife and healthy wetland habitats for waterfowl and numerous other species.”…