For the second time in history, a woman has won the Federal Duck Stamp contest. Wildlife artist Sherrie Russell Meline, from Mt. Shasta, California, won the Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest on September 15, in Memphis, Tennessee. “Sherrie Russell Meline’s beautiful rendition of Ross’ geese continues the Duck Stamp’s tradition of outstanding wildlife art,” said Matt Hogan, acting Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “More important, it will help us convey the importance of preserving our Nation’s wetland habitat and the wildlife and communities it supports.” Russell Meline’s painting of Ross’ geese bested 232 other entries and will grace the 2006-2007 Federal Duck Stamp (RW73). The sale of Federal Duck Stamps raises approximately $25 million each year to fund waterfowl habitat acquisition for the National Wildlife Refuge System. This year was the first time in the stamp’s 71-year history that the design was chosen outside of Washington, D.C. Along with its move to Memphis, the competition was co-hosted for the first time by Ducks Unlimited, Greater Memphis Arts Council, and the Memphis College of Art. The competition was surrounded by a week of public events at the Memphis College of Art, Bass Pro Shops, and the Peabody Hotel. The week culminated with the 2005 Ducks Unlimited Expo. “The Federal Duck Stamp contest is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious wildlife art contest, and Memphis has welcomed us with open arms,” Hogan said. “We want to thank our partners for making this such a successful event. Hopefully more people learned about the contest this year and will go out and purchase a Duck Stamp.” “Congratulations to Sherrie Russell Meline,” said Ducks Unlimited Executive Vice President Don Young. “The Duck Stamp story is a great story, and its value to all Americans in helping build the national wildlife refuge system, providing places for waterfowl hunters and others who enjoy the outdoors, and protecting millions of acres of wetlands and waterfowl habitat makes it one of the greatest conservation programs of all-time. “And it's certainly one waterfowl hunters can be proud of. It’s that story that makes this event so special,” said Young. “DU and Memphis are proud to play a leadership role in growing the public’s awareness of this remarkable conservation and art success story.” All waterfowl hunters age 16 and older are required to purchase and carry Duck Stamps. Ninety-eight percent of the proceeds from the $15 Duck Stamp goes into the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, which purchases wetlands for the National Wildlife Refuge System. Russell Meline has entered the Federal Duck Stamp competition 15 times over the last 25 years. “I am very honored and flattered,” said Russell Meline. “I am completely honored to have been in the competition with the best artists out there, and I’m totally shocked that I won.” Russell Meline’s winning artwork is a close-up of a Sherrie Russell Meline wins federal contest This Ross’ goose, by Sherrie Russell Meline will be featured on RW73, the 2006 Federal duck stamp. Ross’ goose in reeds with several flying birds in the background. She completed the work over a four month period. Russell Meline was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in fine arts. She began her art career doing three-dimensional art, but was inspired to paint waterfowl after she began collecting waterfowl decoys. While she studies mounts for the fine detail of her paintings, she also spends time watching live birds. “I watch the birds a lot and get to know them,” said Russell Meline. Russell Meline and her husband, Kevin, own a gallery, Wingbeat, in Mt. Shasta. Her artwork has been used for more than 30 state waterfowl stamps, including Arizona, Texas, Nevada, and Iowa. Over the next four years, she will be working on a commission to paint waterfowl stamps for the 12 provinces of Canada. Her art can be seen at wingbeat.com Second place went to Bruce Miller of Mound, Minnesota, who painted a pair of northern shovelers. Third place went to Jim Caturia of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, who also painted a male northern shoveler. Eligible species for this year’s contest were the brant, northern shoveler, Ross’ goose, ruddy duck and Canada goose. The five judges for the competition were chosen by the Secretary of the Interior for their dedication to conservation and their professional expertise. Ward Burton’s passion for racing is equal to his passion for the outdoors. Winner of the 2002 Daytona 500, Burton long ago dedicated himself to natural resource conservation. Initially funded out of his NASCAR earnings, today the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation is a fast growing education-oriented organization dedicated to promoting awareness for the need of wildlife conservation, habitat enhancement, and proper stewardship of America’s natural resources. Bill Crawford is an innovative and committed wildlife Conservationist. He was Budweiser’s 2005 Conservationist of the Year. Crawford spearheaded one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The project has received national attention for its importance to migratory waterfowl, shorebirds and wading birds. Crawford is an avid international hunter, angler, and active member of Safari Club International. Steve Runnels is the President and CEO of the American Birding Association in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He began his career as a curator for the Dallas Museum of Natural History, eventually becoming the CEO of the museum. He has also served as the Regional Director of Stewardship for the National Audubon Society. Runnels has been an active member of local groups in his community including the Rotary, Chambers of Commerce, Audubon and Junior League. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology and botany. Ruby Bridgeforth is the Postmaster / Metro Manager in Memphis, Tennessee. She began her postal career in 1981 in Anchorage, Alaska. Her educational accomplishments include Bachelor of Science from University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; Master, Music Education from Arkansas State University; and Master, Business Admin. from Belhaven College. Jane Lavino is the Curator of Education for the National Wildlife Art Museum for the past 16 years, where she has built an award winning education program reaching over 12,000 adults and children a year. Lavino was the 1996 recipient of the Wyoming Alliance for Arts Education “Friend of the Arts” award. She has served as the Wyoming State Coordinator for the Federal Junior Duck Stamp program for 11 years. Jane Lavino has a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art and Cultural Anthropology and is a certified art educator in New York and Wyoming.