Eureka student wins 2024 Montana Junior Duck stamp contest

On Thursday, March 28, student art entries for the 2024 Montana State Junior Duck Stamp Contest from across Montana were judged at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge in Stevensville. 

The Junior Duck Stamp Program is a dynamic arts and science curriculum designed to teach youth about waterfowl and the habitat that they depend on. In addition to an original art entry, each student is encouraged to create a conservation message that explains what they have learned about wetlands, conservation, waterfowl and wildlife. 

The artwork and conservation message are considered a visual “term paper” of what students have learned about waterfowl and wetlands.

Twenty native species of North American waterfowl were depicted across the 53 entries. A panel of judges selected the entry of Emily Housen of Eureka as the “Best of Show.”

Housen’s acrylic painting depicts a female wood duck and a brood of four in their natural habitat. Reynold’s entry has been forwarded for further competition with the 49 other Best of Show entries from each state. 

One of the 50 Best of Show entries will be selected as the National Junior Duck Stamp Program winner, officially printed as a stamp representing the Junior Duck Stamp Program. 

The judging for the 2024 National Junior Duck Stamp contest will occur at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia, on April 19.

Montana first place finishers

Grades K-3 – Aurora Beebe (Lolo), Bridger Ritner (Missoula), Raegan Ralls (Stevensville), Saylah Ralls (Stevensville), Karsyn Drylie (Eureka).

Grades 4-6 – Hunter Reynolds (Eureka), Emile Housen (Eureka), McKenzie Bentley (Florence);

Grades 7-9 – Ariana Engstrom (Bozeman), Betty Jean Wheat (Eureka), Alexandria Meester (Rexford).

Grades 10-12 – Elennor Bebb (Plains).