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 2010 Nevada Duck Stamp Art Contest is sponsored by the Nevada Waterfowl Association and sanctioned by the Nevada State Board of Wildlife Commissioners, with the winning piece to be featured on the 2010-2011 state stamp.

The Nevada Waterfowl Association has selected the Northern Shoveler as the subject for this year's contest.

Sometimes known simply as a shoveler or "spoonie", the Northern Shoveler is a common and widespread duck.

The species is unmistakable in the northern hemisphere due to its long, spoon-shaped bill. The breeding male has a dark green head with a chestnut belly and flanks.

In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed separated from the green speculum by a white border. In non-breeding plumage, the drake resembles the female. The female shoveler is light brown, with plumage much like a female mallard, but easily distinguished by the long broad bill, which is olive green 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. 23, 2009.

Contest rules are available on the NDOW website at http://www.ndow.org/wild/stamp, or by calling 1-775-688-1915 for more information.

Entries will be judged by seven individuals, including two members of the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners and five others as appointed by the Nevada Waterfowl Association. The names of the top 10 finalists will be announced by NDOW on Nov. 16, 2009. The winning artwork will grace the 2010-11 Nevada Duck Stamp.

In the state of 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.