Nationally acclaimed wildlife artist Jim Killen’s print, “Blue-winged Teal at Santee Coastal Reserve,” chosen by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources as the 2008 South Carolina Duck Stamp print, is now on sale.

The S.C. Migratory Waterfowl Committee and S.C. Department of Natural Resources commissioned Killen to do a series of four originals through 2010.

The new 2008 state migratory waterfowl stamps, often called duck stamps, go on sale each July for the upcoming season and cost $5.50 each. Stamps are available from most retail businesses that sell hunting and fishing licenses or directly from the DNR. South Carolina duck hunters are required to have the state waterfowl stamp in their possession while hunting. Duck hunters purchase about 24,000 stamps each year, and collectors buy another 5,000 stamps. For more information on the Duck Stamp Program contact Antonio Bates in DNR licensing at (803) 734-4269 in Columbia or visit www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/stamps/index.html.

Killen, who has reaped national and international awards, was also honored three times as the “International Artist of the Year” for Ducks Unlimited. The quality and distinctive style of his art has generated millions of dollars for numerous conservation groups such as Ducks Unlimited International, Pheasants Forever, Quail Unlimited and the National Wild Turkey Federation. He was also named Southeastern Wildlife Expo “Artist of the Year” in 1987. Born and raised in Minnesota, the pheasant fields and prairie potholes inspired him to strive to preserve these gifts of nature for future generations. For more about the artist check the DNR Web site at: www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/stamps/artist.html.

Now in its 28th year, funds derived from the sale of art prints and related artwork is used as specified in state law. The S.C. Natural Resources Board administers and promotes the sale of both prints and stamps. The amount needed to make up 50 percent of the total from stamp and print sales is transferred to the DNR for use in its specified projects. The remainder of funds derived by the sale of prints is disbursed to a nonprofit organization for the development of waterfowl propagation projects within Canada.

The projects must specifically provide waterfowl for the Atlantic Flyway and must be able to demonstrate evidence that the projects are acceptable to the appropriate governmental agencies having jurisdiction over the project areas.

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