Hugo artist wins 2012 trout stamp contest

[HD]

Hugo artist wins 2012 trout stamp contest
(Released September 22, 2011)

A rainbow trout will be featured on the 2012 Minnesota Trout and Salmon Stamp. The painting, by Nicholas T. Markell of Hugo, was chosen as the winning design from among 17 entries in the annual stamp contest sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Six entries advanced to the second stage of judging, from which four finalists were selected. Laurence Huls of Avon placed second; Stephen P. Hamrick of Lakeville finished third; and Dale Knaffla of Silver Bay placed fourth.

The DNR, which conducts the annual stamp contest, offers no prizes. The winner retains reprint reproduction rights to the work, which is usually reproduced as a limited edition wildlife print.

A Minnesota trout and salmon stamp is required for those who fish in designated trout streams, designated trout lakes, Lake Superior, or who possess trout and salmon. Anglers must also purchase a Minnesota fishing license.

The DNR sells approximately 95,000 stamps every year. The 2011 trout stamp costs $10, with proceeds going to trout stream habitat restoration projects, stocking trout, purchasing angling easements and the management of Lake Superior.

The following species are eligible for the 2013 stamp: brook, brown, splake and lake trout, and coho, pink, Chinook and Atlantic salmon. Rainbow trout designs are not eligible for the 2013 stamp.