St. Paul artist Matt Linz wins the 2026 Minnesota waterfowl stamp contest with his captivating oil painting of a pair of buffleheads, as announced by the Department of Natural Resources. In a competitive field of 18 submissions, Linz’s artwork stood out, while Stephen Hamrick and Chris Smith took second and third place, respectively, showcasing their talent with an acrylic painting of a gadwall and an oil painting of a wood duck.
Alongside the stamp competition, the Minnesota DNR reports a nearly 50% increase in pheasant numbers from the previous year, reaching a statewide index of 75 birds per 100 miles. This surge, attributed to favorable weather conditions, signals promising hunting prospects as the season opens on October 11. With these statistics and the anticipated release of the winning waterfowl stamp in 2026, outdoor enthusiasts have much to look forward to.
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