Migratory Waterfowl and Wetland Conservation Program

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's (WDFW) Migratory Bird Artwork Program began in 1985, when the Migratory Waterfowl and Wetland Conservation Stamp and Artwork legislation was signed into law. This legislation established a Washington Duck Stamp, which is required to hunt migratory waterfowl, and an artwork program designed to generate revenue using the image reproduced on the stamp and collectible prints.

In 1998, the legislation was amended to include all migratory game birds (waterfowl, coots, snipe, doves, band-tailed pigeons) under a permit validation. Migratory Bird Permit sales are used to improve wetland habitats and protect migratory game birds in the state. Artwork sales go to nonprofit organizations or individual contracts to develop habitat conservation projects that benefit wetland-dependent migratory birds.

Each year, new artwork is chosen for reproduction in collectible prints and stamps. Artists submit their work and a winning artist is chosen to produce a commissioned piece of waterfowl artwork. Tim Turenne is 2020's winning artist, and his artwork is featured on the cover of the 2020 Waterfowl Seasons and Regulations pamphlet. The Washington Migratory Bird Artwork Program serves as a reminder of the role art continues to play in conservation and wildlife stewardship. Artwork from past years has featured local Washington artists including Catherine Temple (2019) and Dee Dee Murry (2017).

WDFW provides active management for more than 1 million acres of publicly owned land and over 500 water access areas throughout the state. Our vision is a Washington where fish and wildlife thrive in healthy habitats, and where people experience and enjoy our state's natural gifts for generations to come.

By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the department serves as stewards for Washington's natural places, protecting the state's land and water for its human and wildlife populations.

The revenue from permit and artwork sales fund projects throughout Washington that emphasize wetland restoration, waterfowl protection, and other migratory bird resources. Project proposals are solicited and submitted each biennium, and projects are evaluated based on criteria designed to assign priority to migratory bird habitat enhancement projects and promote public access to empower the conservationists who support this resource.

In early 2019, staff members submitted 32 project proposals. These proposals were evaluated and ranked by the WDFW Duck Stamp Project Evaluation Team, and subsequently evaluated by the Waterfowl Advisory Group, a citizen’s committee representing waterfowl hunting and conservation community throughout the state, during an annual meeting held April 13, 2019.

See below for descriptions of approved projects for the current 2019-2021 biennium.

Promote waterfowl and wetland conservation through art! By giving someone you know waterfowl artwork, you pass along the story and importance of wetland stewardship. Please visit the Washington Waterfowl Association and WDFW websites to learn more and continue this waterfowl legacy!

The Washington duck stamp artwork is featured every year on the Migratory Waterfowl and Upland Game Seasons pamphlet.

The slideshow below shows the winning entries going back to 2012. Click the navigation arrow on the right to flip through and see the artwork.