OUTDOOR BRIEFS

CHOICE MADE

Green-winged teal selected for 2011 duck stamp contest

Wildlife artists from across the country can once again take their chances in the Nevada Duck Stamp Art Contest, an annual event to select artwork for the following year's Nevada Duck Stamp.

The 2011 Nevada Duck Stamp Art Contest is sponsored by the Nevada Waterfowl Association and sanctioned by the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners, with the winning artwork to be featured on the 2011-2012 state stamp.

The Nevada Waterfowl Association has selected the green-winged teal (Anas carolensis) for this year's contest. According to NDOW game biologist Craig Mortimore, the green-winged teal is North America's smallest dabbling duck. Though diminutive, it is a highly successful species that has become widespread and abundant in North America. Mortimore describes the drake's breeding plumage as quite colorful with a chestnut-colored head bisected by an iridescent green blaze that begins just before the eye to terminate in a short mane of black feathers. Contour feathers are vermiculated gray and the underside of the rump is soft yellow framed in black. The spotted breast is creamy colored and is divided from the flanks by a white bar. Like most duck species, hens are covered with buff-colored feathers to provide nest concealment. Both sexes have a bright iridescent green speculum that sparkles in the sun with yellowish base and edges. The female's forewing is grey.

All interested artists are encouraged to enter the contest, whether residing in Nevada or elsewhere. Entries must be an original creation, in any drawing medium, and must be received by the Nevada Department of Wildlife no later than Oct. 22. Contest rules are available on the NDOW website at www.ndow.org/wild/stamp, or by calling (775) 688-1915 for more information.

Entries will be judged by seven individuals, including two members of the NBWC and five others as appointed by the Nevada Waterfowl Association. The names of the top 10 finalists will be announced by NDOW on Nov. 15.

In Nevada, any person 12-64 years old who hunts any migratory bird except mourning or white-winged dove, snipe, coot or moorhen (gallinule) is required to purchase a state duck stamp. Money from the sale of Nevada Duck Stamps is used for projects approved by the commission for the protection and propagation of migratory game birds, and for the acquisition, development and preservation of wetlands in Nevada.

COURSE SCHEDULED

Squadron to present public boating class on Saturday

The Las Vegas Sail and Power Squadron will present a public boating course beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Nevada Department of Wildlife, 4747 W. Vegas Drive.

The format includes self-study and classroom discussions. Topics include boat handling, rules of the road, docking and anchoring, requred and recommended equipment, marine radio/telephone and trailering. There is no cost for the class, but a small fee for course materials will be charged.

To register or for more information, call Clint Moore at 255-3590.