Each year, the federal government holds a unique art competition with a very specific goal: to choose the most compelling original painting to become the next Federal Duck Stamp.

Waterfowl hunters are required to purchase this stamp along with their hunting license. The revenue raised allows the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to buy and protect wetlands across the country. Over time, the contest has grown fiercely competitive. And this past year, Chaska artist Jim Hautman [rhymes with “caught-men”] claimed his seventh win.

Among outdoor enthusiasts and duck hunters, Jim Hautman is a well-known name. In fact, he’s so well known he even gets a mention in the movie Fargo. KFAI’s Alison Young has the story.

This story was written and produced by Alison Young. Erika Janik is MinneCulture's managing editor. Support for MinneCulture on KFAI is provided by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. For more stories like this check out the MInneculture tab on KFAI.org