2019-2020 Black Bear and Migratory Game Bird Stamp Winners Named

Annual Contests Draw Attention to Wildlife Management

Rebecca Latham of Hastings, Minn. won the 23rd Annual Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp Design Contest with her painting, “Explorer.”

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce the winners of the annual Black Bear Conservation and Migratory Game Bird stamp design contests.

A panel of judges chose the winners on March 16 at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in front of an enthusiastic crowd of contestants and fans.

“Congratulations to the winning entries and thank you to everyone who submitted artwork this year,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Every entry showcases the talents of some gifted artists, while supporting important conservation efforts to help us understand and protect our wildlife.”

Rebecca Latham of Hastings, Minn. won the 23rd Annual Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp Design Contest with her painting, “Explorer.” The artwork portrayed a lone black bear with fall colors. This is her third win in ten years.

Proceeds from the sale of Black Bear Conservation Stamps and other related items are added to the Black Bear Compensation Fund, used to compensate Maryland farmers experiencing agricultural damage caused by black bears. The bear stamps, and other related items, can be purchased through the department’s online store.

Gerald Putt, of Boiling Springs, Pa, won the 45th Annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest with his painting “The Resting Place.”

Gerald Putt, of Boiling Springs, Pa, won the 45th Annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest with his beautiful painting “The Resting Place,” featuring a hen and drake wood duck, complete with leg band.

“I am honored and excited to win this year’s stamp contest,” said Putt, who was in attendance for the judging event. “I consider Maryland to be the home of waterfowl hunting.”

The artwork will be featured on the stamps hunters purchase to hunt all migratory game birds in the state, with the proceeds funding migratory game bird research and habitat enhancement on public lands.