Wanted: Designs for first state walleye stamp

DNR Staff Report

Wildlife artists can submit entries for Minnesota’s first walleye stamp, which will be available to anglers when they purchase a 2009 fishing license.
Earlier this year, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law creating the voluntary walleye stamp, which will add $5 to the cost of a 2009 fishing license if an angler chooses to purchase the stamp. Revenue from stamp sales is dedicated to walleye stocking and directly related activities.
The walleye now joins the trout and salmon, migratory waterfowl, wild turkey and pheasant as a species that offer a DNR-sponsored wildlife art contest.
Entries for the walleye stamp design will be accepted Monday, Oct. 13, to Friday, Oct. 24. Artists must mail or hand deliver their entries by 4 p.m. on Oct. 24 to: 2009 Walleye Stamp Contest, DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife, Box 20, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN, 55155-4020.
Designs should be securely wrapped and enclosed in an envelope or other container. The words “Walleye Stamp” should be clearly marked on the outside of the container. Late entries will not be accepted.
The walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus) must be the primary focus of the design. Other fish species may be included in the design if they are used to depict a common interaction between species or are common inhabitants of Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.
Artists are prohibited from using any photographic product as part of their finished entries. Any entry that contains photographic products will be disqualified.
The contest, which offers no prizes, is open to Minnesota residents only. Winning artists usually issue limited edition prints of the artwork and retain the proceeds.
A contest entry form and reproduction rights agreement, which grants the DNR the right to use the design for the stamp image and other promotional, educational and informational purposes related to walleye, must be signed and submitted with the design.
Judging will take place at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, at DNR Headquarters, 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul. Contest judges will have expertise in art, ichthyology, fishing, aquatic habitats and/or printing.
For complete contest criteria and information contact the DNR Information Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4040. Information also is available by calling the Information Center toll free at 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367), or on the DNR Web site at www.mndnr.gov.