The annual state duck stamp features a harlequin

Michael Loring of Windham had the winning entry last weekend in Maine’s 2024 Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Art Contest.

Loring’s artwork featured a harlequin duck painted in an airbrush style.

Second place went to Tory Farris of Dover-Foxcroft. Third went to Olga Wing of Byron. Honorable mentions went to Richard Alley Jr. of Islesford and Rebekah Lowell of Biddeford.

There were 13 entries. The judging occurred at the State of Maine Sportsman’s Show in Augusta.

This was Loring’s second win, and his work has made it to the top five in multiple years.

Duck stamps are collector’s items and raise funds to manage and conserve waterfowl in Maine to the tune of $13,000-$16,000 annually, according to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

When the program started in 1984, hunters were required to buy them in order to hunt migratory birds. The program was modeled on the federal duck stamp.

Hunters stopped needing the state stamp in 2002, but have to purchase a State Migratory Waterfowl Permit on their hunting license. They also need a federal permit.

The department has chosen the bufflehead as the species for the 2025 stamp. Judging will be held on March 28, 2025. Information on entering the contest is available here . Deadline for entries is 4 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2025.