NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – The winning design for California’s 2014-2015 Duck Stamp will be selected at a judging event scheduled June 24 in Davis. Fourteen artists from around the country submitted original art for consideration for the stamp.

The contest, sponsored by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), required entrants to paint, draw or sketch the species chosen by the California Fish and Game Commission, which this year is the scaup.

The contest will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the CDFW Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters, 45211 County Rd 32B (Chiles Road) in Davis.

The judges’ panel, which will consist of experts in the fields of ornithology, conservation, art and printing, will choose first, second, and third place winners and an honorable mention.

Since 1971, the California Duck Stamp Program’s annual contest has attracted top wildlife artists from around the country. All proceeds generated from stamp sales go directly to waterfowl conservation projects throughout California.

In past years, hunters were required to purchase and affix the stamp to their hunting license.

California has moved to an automated licensing system and hunters are no longer required to carry the stamps in the field because proof of purchase prints directly onto the license.

However, CDFW will still produce the stamps, which can be requested by interested individuals on CDFW’s Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/collectorstamps/ .