2008 Massachusetts Waterfowl Stamp Print Design

Gregg Coppolo's colored pencil rendition of a black duck hen decoy has taken top honors in the 2008 Massachusetts Waterfowl Stamp Contest. The decoy was crafted by Russ Burr (Hingham, 1887-1955). Coppolo, who lives in Pocasset, has entered the Massachusetts Waterfowl Stamp Competition many times, once placing second. He was stunned and delighted to learn his entry had won first place this year. "It's unbelievable that I won considering the incredible entries that were submitted," he said.

The Massachusetts waterfowl stamp is the only waterfowl stamp series in the country requiring designs to be of working decoys - ducks, geese or shorebirds - made by deceased Massachusetts decoy makers. Coppolo's artwork will be reproduced on Massachusetts' 2008 waterfowl stamp which will go on sale in December of 2007. The $5.00 stamp is required of all waterfowl hunters. Revenues from the sale of the stamp fund projects that enhance waterfowl habitat both in Massachusetts and in the Canadian Maritime Provinces which provide critical breeding habitat for ducks and geese that winter in the Commonwealth. Stamp collectors and other conservationists also purchase these stamps for their beauty and to assist in the wetland conservation. The Massachusetts Waterfowl stamp series, which began with a Wood duck drake decoy in 1974, has raised over a million dollars for the conservation and management of key waterfowl lands. Arrangements for this cooperative international effort are handled through a partnership with Ducks Unlimited, Inc.