Robert Bealle of Waldorf took home top honors for the third time in Maryland’s 34th Annual Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest with this painting of a male canvasback titled, ‘Morning Cruise.’
“His painting of a male canvasback titled, ‘Morning Cruise,’ was selected first place from a field of 34 entries submitted by artists across the state,” said Doug Wigfield, Contest Coordinator.
Bealle, a former professional taxidermist who resides and works a family farm in southern Maryland, started his painting career in 1981. Bealle’s prior winning designs were featured on the 1994 and 2004 Maryland Waterfowl Stamps. He has also been a finalist many times in the prestigious Federal Duck Stamp Contest, finishing as high as second.
All migratory game bird hunters, including those who are exempt from the hunting license requirement, must purchase a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp.
“Since the stamp’s inception, more than $4 million has been generated to fund game bird research and enhance waterfowl habitat in Maryland,” added Wigfield.