Submitted Photo This redhead duck was chosen as “Best of Show” winner in the state’s Junior Duck Stamp Contest. The artwork was the created by Daniel Schumacher of Linton.

DEVILS LAKE – An acrylic painting titled “Midday Flow” submitted by Daniel Schumacher of Linton has been selected by judges to be the 2021 Best of Show winner in the North Dakota Junior Duck Stamp Contest. Schumacher, 18, claimed the Best of Show title for the fourth year in a row. Judging was conducted at the Ramsey County event center March 25.

Schumacher’s 2021 entry features a redhead duck resting in the sun on vibrant blue water. As a high school senior, this is his eighth and final year competing in the Junior Duck Stamp contest, which is open to all youth grades K-12.

On April 16 Schumacher’s artwork will compete in the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest against competitors from all 50 states and 4 U.S. territories. Scholarships are awarded to the top three artists and the winning conservation message in the national contest.

In his fourth year entering the contest, 18-year-old Jared Eggermont of Valley City received runner-up Best of Show honors with his colored pencil and acrylic paint entry of a drake American widgeon.

The conservation message portion contest is judged anonymously by U.S. Fish and Wildlife staff across the state. This year’s winning message was submitted by Best of Show art winner, Daniel Schumacher. He wrote “Conservation protects more than just land. It protects nature, humanity, and a way of life.” Schumacher’s message will also compete in the national competition on April 16.

The annual award ceremony traditionally held in-person the first week in May will take place via Zoom at a later date. All participating classrooms, home schools, clubs, or individuals who entered this year’s contest will receive an email invite. Students who received 1st, 2nd, or 3rd-place honors in the competition will receive their award package by mail. Winning artwork will be exhibited throughout the state at national wildlife refuge, events, zoos, shopping malls, schools, Fargo Scheels, the State Capitol, and other locations throughout the year.

This year, 751 students in grades K-12 participated in the conservation program across the state. If you are interested in learning more about the contest, please contact the North Dakota Junior Duck Stamp Coordinator at colleen–graue@fws.gov.