RALEIGH — The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission now has the 2017 N.C. Waterfowl Conservation Stamp and Print available through its N.C. Wild Store.

The N.C. Waterfowl Conservation Stamp and Print, also called the “duck stamp,” this year features a pair of gadwall, painted by renowned Delaware artist Richard Clifton. Signed and numbered regular edition prints with mint stamps cost $148. The collector’s mint stamp sells for $13.

The 2017 stamp and print mark the third time Clifton has won the North Carolina competition, having taken top honors two years in a row in 2011 and 2012, as well as placing second in 2010.

In addition to winning North Carolina’s duck stamp competition this year, Clifton won Oregon’s competition with his vivid portrayal of a pair of gadwall, and won Louisiana’s competition with his painting of three green-winged teal. He has painted 47 duck stamps from various states, the 1996 Australian duck stamp and the 2007-08 federal duck stamp, the oldest and most prestigious wildlife art competition in the United States.

Clifton was one of 39 wildlife artists from 19 states to take part in the competition, which began in 2008 as a partnership between the Commission and the East Carolina Wildfowl Guild, and is now managed by the Washington Tourism Development Authority.

Proceeds from sales of the print and stamp support the Wildlife Resources Commission’s Waterfowl Fund, which generates revenue for the conservation of waterfowl habitat in North Carolina.

To purchase a print and mint stamp, or for additional information, call the Wildlife Commission toll-free at 866-945-3746, or visit the agency’s online N.C. Wild Store at www.ncwildstore.com.