This past Saturday morning I attended the Minnesota 2006 Federal Junior Duck Stamp Art Competition Recognition and Awards Ceremony in Bloomington. It was held at the in Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington.

There were some very good artists and some very good paintings on display and no doubt some future wildlife artists will emerge from this group. Two of the more notable judges for this years Duck stamp contest were David Chapman 2006 Minnesota Turkey stamp artist and 2005 Minnesota migratory waterfowl artist and Joe Hautman, 2006 Minnesota Migratory Waterfowl Stamp artist and 1992 & 2002 Federal Duck Stamp Artist.

There were three winners from Albert Lea and all attend Sibley School. Josh Schwartz took second place in his age group with Christina Monson and Trevor Herfindahl receiving honorable mention. For these three students to be in the group of 100 participants chosen out of 1,225 entrants from throughout the state is quite an accomplishment.

Their art teacher, Mark Blong has encouraged their participation in this event and is an avid supporter of the program. &8220;We incorporate it with a wildlife unit and try to have students concentrate on ducks in their natural setting and gain an awareness of conservation. We work from form photos wildlife and ducks and Mr. Tom Tubbs has been very helpful in donating several years worth of issues of Duck’s Unlimited Magazine. The junior duck stamp is youth version of the Federal Duck Stamp and was originated to help students become aware of the outdoors.&8221;

At the awards ceremony a very important point was brought up. The participation in the Junior Duck Stamp art contest helps bring our youth in touch with not only waterfowl but also gives them awareness of the other things that our Federal Duck Stamp does for our environment.

The first Duck Stamp was issued in 1934 and when we purchase

a duck stamp the money not only helps waterfowl but the habitat that is needed to support all wildlife not just waterfowl. It helps with lake cleanup, and helps purchase lands that can once again be used as natural habitat for all wildlife.

Two more aspiring young artists are Isabel Ehrhardt and Amy Sanderson who placed in the Minnesota Deer Hunter’s Youth Art Contest. Isabel placed third in her age group; and Amy place second for her age group. They were selected from entrants from throughout the state of Minnesota. The contest is put on by the organization to promote wildlife awareness and is open to students grades 1-12.

Congratulations to all of these young artists and kudos to art teacher Mark Blong for helping them learn an appreciation for art and wildlife.

It’s never to early to think Muskies!

The following information was passed along to me by Jake Loper who is a member of the Twin Cities chapter of Muskies Inc., and is hoping to start a southern Minnesota Chapter.

All Southern Minnesota Muskie fishermen and friends are invited to attend an informational meeting that is being held on Wednesday evening, May 3 at Cabela’s in Owatonna.

Come, bring a friend and learn about Muskies Incorporated. Muskies Incorporated is an active, service oriented, non-profit organization with the single focus of improving the sport of muskie fishing for men, women and children.

Muskies Incorporated has many members with 53 chapters located throughout the US. and Canada.

Help us start a new chapter, club, in southern Minnesota. Contact Jake Loper at 373-1818 or jdloper@yahoo.com if further information is needed.

Thank you and see you at the meeting.

Until next time play safe, enjoy the outdoors and let’s go fishin’.

Remember to keep the troops that are serving our country in your thoughts and prayers.