This past weekend I attended the awards ceremony for the 2009 Junior Duck Stamp Contest, which was held at the Minnesota National Wildlife Center in Bloomington. There were 36 paintings displayed at the Wildlife Center this past weekend.

The Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program is designed to teach wetland-habitat and waterfowl conservation to students. The students use both scientific and wildlife observation principles to help them better understand what they have leaned while creating their entries for the Duck Stamp art contest. This is the 17th anniversary of the Junior Duck Stamp program and the 15th year Minnesota has participated. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is open to students in grades K-12. They are judged in four groups according to grade level, K-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. There were 1,285 entries from schools, scout troops, 4-H clubs and individuals from around the state.

Winners are chosen for these awards by a panel of outdoors experts and artists. One of the judges for this year’s contest was Phil Reiland, editor/publisher of Outdoors Weekly, a Minnesota outdoors magazine. Phil is also the nephew of Tom and Marlene Reiland of Albert Lea.

This year’s ceremony had a special meaning to me because my second-oldest grandson, Taylor Herfindahl placed third in his age group with a painting of a redhead duck. The winners were chosen from four age categories. There are three first, three second and three third-places awarded in each category. Taylor’s group, 4-6, had a record number of entries, 630, which is the largest number for one group since the contest began. To be one of only 12 artists of the 630 picked is a great accomplishment. (See Grandpa’s bragging rights.)

The 2009 Best of Show was won by Rachel Thelen. She will compete with other Best of Show winners from around the United States at the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest. Minnesota also has a Special Student honor, which was won by Joy LaBine. The Conservation Message winner was Brandon Teberg with the message; “The habitat you save today could produce the ducks you see tomorrow.”

A federal Duck Stamp can be purchased by anyone for $15 and this money is used to buy land that not only benefits waterfowl but all wildlife. Duck stamps can also be used to gain entrance to national wildlife refuges that have entry fees. Sales of the duck stamp have produced more than $670 million and have helped purchase more than 5.2 million acres of waterfowl habitat in the United States.

The Junior Duck Stamp can be purchased for $5. The proceeds from this stamp are invested in the program. Receipts from sales are used to fund scholarships for the national contest winners, state programs, marketing and environmental education materials used to educate students.

Educational resources and an art exhibit of the first, second and third place winners are available on loan for display in our area. If interested contact Mara Koenig for more information at 952-858-0710 or mara_koenig@fws.gov.

Whether you are a participant, an art lover, lover of the outdoors or just like wildlife there is no better way to feel a part of it than painting. The students that enter the contest learn more than just colors on canvas, they learn about habitat and gain a greater appreciation of the outdoors world around us. We need to encourage our youth to get involved and appreciate the outdoors because they will be the future stewards of the land.

The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is located in Bloomington and is a great place to visit if you enjoy hiking trails and watching birds in the wild. More than 250 species of birds use the area at some time during the year. Nearly 150 birds nest in the valley including bald eagles and peregrine falcons. The avian diversity is complemented by at least 50 species of mammals and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians.

The focal point of the Refuge is the visitor center, which features 8000 square feet of exhibit space, a 125-seat auditorium, two multi-purpose classrooms, a bookstore, and an observation deck. Environmental education and interpretation are conducted from this facility. Recreational activities include hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, hunting, and fishing.

If you like the outdoors and wildlife this is truly worth your time to stop and enjoy what the center has to offer.

Fishing reports from around the southern Minnesota area:

FAIRMONT — Minnows are producing crappies and perch on Budd Lake in 10 to 15 feet, but look for these fish to move shallower soon. On Tuttle Lake and Fox Lake, minnows also are turning perch and crappies in shallow water.

FARIBAULT — The panfish bite continues to be slow in most channels, bays, and creek areas. A few more days of warm weather are needed to get these fish active. When that happens, Cedar Lake and French Lake should be worth checking in shallow water.

MANKATO — Look for crappies around Buckmaster’s Bridge on Madison Lake. The north end of Baker’s Bay on Lake Washington is kicking out sunfish and crappies in four to 12 feet. On the west end of Lake Francis, you’ll find crappies in less than five feet.

RED WING — The big walleyes and sauger have started hitting with some consistency on the Mississippi River. A bright-colored hair jig and fathead minnow is working best. The Hay Creek area and Baypoint Park continue to kick out fish, but the mouths of most feeder creeks are worth checking. There has also been some good-sized crappies caught below the dam over 20 feet.

WATERVILLE — The ice has been off the lakes for a few weeks, but the water hasn’t warmed up as fast as most anglers would like. As a result, panfish reports have been limited. A few crappies and perch continue to be found in the lagoon at Lake Tetonka in shallow water when the sun is out and it warms up during midday hours.

Until next time play safe and enjoy the great Minnesota outdoors.

Remember to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers throughout the year.