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The 17th annual Black Bear Conservation and 39th annual Migratory Game Bird stamp design contests are open and ready for submissions. Waterfowl and wildlife artists can submit their original artwork for the contests through March 15.  The Department of Natural Resources will judge the contest entries on March 24, 2013 at the Patuxent National Wildlife Visitors Center in Laurel, Md., in conjunction with the 24th Annual Patuxent Wildlife Art Show.

The Black Bear Conservation Stamp contest is open to Maryland residents and non-residents. Each contestant may submit one entry for a non-refundable $10 entry fee. Proceeds from the sale of these stamps and other related products are used to compensate farmers in Maryland who experience agricultural damage caused by black bears.

To enter, contestants must mail their designs with required entry fee and forms to: Patricia Handy, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife & Heritage Service, 580 Taylor Avenue, E-1 Annapolis, MD 21401, and received by 4 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2013.

Migratory Game Bird Stamp contest is open to Maryland residents only. Each contestant may submit up to three entries ($15 for one entry; $20 for two entries; $30 for three). Proceeds from the sale of these stamps help fund waterfowl and migratory game bird projects and research.

To enter, contestants must mail their designs with required entry fee and forms to: The Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest, Friends of Patuxent, Patuxent Research Refuge/National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708-4027.

All entries must be the artist's original work, neither copied nor duplicated from any previously published paintings, drawings, prints or photographs of the contestant, or any other artist. For complete contest rules and entry forms, artists should visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/  or contact Patricia Handy at phandy@dnr.state.md.us or 410-260-8537.