Michelle Dennehy (503) 947-6022

SALEM, Ore — The Fish and Wildlife Commission today selected artist Kreig Jacque’s depiction of a ring-necked pheasant as the winner of the 2007 Oregon Upland Game Bird Art Contest.

On Tuesday, March 20 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Jacque’s work plus nine other contest entries will be on display at ODFW Headquarters in the downstairs lobby, 3406 Cherry Ave. NE, Salem.

Jacque of LeClaire, Iowa will be awarded $3,000 while ODFW will retain exclusive rights to the winning artwork. The art will be featured on this year’s upland bird stamps, which will be available to collectors nationwide for $6.50 beginning in fall 2007. Proceeds from the sales benefit the management of upland game birds in Oregon.

Hunters that purchase an upland bird validation can also request a print of the stamp by filling out a form in the 2007-2008 Oregon Game Bird Regulations, which will be available this fall.

Jacque is an avid bird hunter who grew up hunting, fishing and enjoying the outdoors of northeast Iowa. Earlier this year, another piece of Jacque’s art was awarded the Iowa Ducks Unlimited Print of the Year. To see his work, visit http://www.visionsofwildlife.com/

Artists are encouraged to enter next year’s contest by submitting original artwork of blue grouse. Criteria for judging submissions include artistic composition and the anatomical accuracy of the art. The deadline to enter is Dec. 31, 2007. Visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/upland_bird/contest/ for more information.