Drawing ducks

The 2020 Wyoming Junior Duck Stamp Program recently announced the winners of their annual art contest. From around the state, 183 young artists entered of whom three were brothers Carter, Tanner and Bridger Hatling of Pine Haven.

The program uses both science and art principles to educate students from Kindergarten to 12th grade on wetland habitat and waterfowl biology and the art contest provides an opportunity for kids to artistically express their knowledge of the diversity and beauty of waterfowl and their habitat. 

The contest is judged in four grade/age groups: K-second, third-fifth, sixth-eighth and ninth-12th.

Carter and Tanner have again demonstrated their understanding of the ducks and their environment with 13-year-old Carter receiving an honorable mention for his drawing of a bluebill; ten-year-old Tanner’s bluebill was awarded first place and eight-year-old Bridger receiving the Betty Nelson Artistic Promise Award and first place for his colored pencil depiction of a red headed duck titled “Mr. Red”. Bridger’s work is currently displayed on the cover of the 2020 Crook County Fair Book.

“Kent and I both feel so proud that our boys have a love for wildlife and art,” mother Melissa smiled. 

“They are following in the footsteps of their dad, Kent Hatling, who is an artist as well. Kent won the 2000 Junior Federal Duck Stamp for SD when he was younger and he also enters a painting every year in the Federal Duck Stamp Competition. Our boys have a great love and respect for learning about conservation, habitats and hunting as their dad, uncles and grandpas have taught them. We are very proud of their knowledge and understanding!”