Melissa Mickelson Won Minnesota Waterfowl Stamp Contest
The Minneapolis artist secured the top prize with her acrylic painting of a canvasback duck.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Hunting
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Melissa Mickelson has won the Minnesota Waterfowl Stamp Contest with an acrylic painting of a canvasback duck. The winning entry was selected by judges from a field of 15 total submissions.
Why it matters
The annual competition determines the artwork featured on state stamps that hunters purchase alongside their licenses. These collectibles serve as a vital funding mechanism for wildlife habitat conservation efforts across Minnesota.
The contest featured 15 eligible submissions. Waterfowl stamps are available for purchase either as collectibles or with state hunting licenses.
The players
Melissa Mickelson
She is a Minneapolis-based artist who secured the top honors in this year's state waterfowl stamp competition.
John Barnard
He is an artist from Virginia, Minnesota, who placed second in the contest with an oil painting.
Heidi Haugen
She is an artist from Farmington, Minnesota, who placed third in the competition with an acrylic painting.
The details
Melissa Mickelson secured first place, while John Barnard of Virginia, Minnesota, earned second place for his oil painting of a canvasback. Farmington artist Heidi Haugen took third place with her own acrylic depiction of the same duck species.
Timeline
October 5, 2026: The results of the competition were announced.
Roadmap
This contest functions as a vital intersection between regional wildlife art traditions and the state's conservation funding mandates. By continuing this competition, Minnesota sustains a long-standing legacy of pairing environmental stewardship with local creative talent.
Residents and hunters can purchase these new stamps to support state habitat initiatives throughout the upcoming season. The winning artwork will soon be featured on official documentation required for legal waterfowl hunting in the state.
The takeaway
Supporting this contest provides a unique way for outdoors enthusiasts to contribute directly to the preservation of local wetlands. Collectors should check state licensing portals soon to see how to acquire the limited-edition stamp featuring the winning canvasback art.
Further reading
Learn more about conservation funding and requirements at Minnesota Hunting.
More information
Find complete details on current regulations and stamps on the Minnesota DNR habitat stamps information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Pilot Independent.
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