Owatonna resident wins 2012 Minnesota Pheasant Stamp contest

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Owatonna resident wins 2012 Minnesota Pheasant Stamp contest
(Released October 3, 2011)

A painting of pheasants by James Killen of Owatonna was chosen as the winning design from among 17 entries in the 2012 pheasant habitat stamp contest sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Seven entries advanced to the second stage of judging, from which five finalists were selected. Tim Turenne of Richfield took second place. Tombo Beard, Circle Pines; and Stephen Hamrick, Lakeville, tied for third.

Killen also won the pheasant stamp contest in 1985 and 1997.

The $7.50 pheasant stamp is required of all Minnesota pheasant hunters ages 18 through 64. Since 1983, stamp sales have generated more than $15.5 million for habitat enhancement efforts on both public and private lands in the pheasant range of Minnesota.

DNR offers no prizes for the stamp contest winner, but the winning artist retains the right to reproduce the work, which is usually done as limited edition prints. The 2012 Pheasant Stamp will be available for sale in March 2012.