The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP’s) Division of Fish and Wildlife proudly presents the 21st Edition Retriever Puppy Series; the second collectible series of state duck stamp prints depicting waterfowl and various breeds of retriever puppies. Painted by artist Phillip Crowe, the artwork features a yellow lab puppy with a hooded merganser carved by New Jersey carver John Potts.

Phillip Crowe attended the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, Florida. Over the years, he has dedicated his time and art, raising millions of dollars for various organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Nature Conservancy as well as many state and wildlife agencies. In addition, by donating his time at charity events like the Louise Mandrell Celebrity Shoot, he has helped raise money for the Boy Scouts of America and the Ruffed Grouse Society.

John Potts is a self-employed house painter and began his carving career in 1985 during a recovery period from surgery. He spent time in Louisiana studying with Tan Brunet, a world class carver considered among the best in the world. Since then Mr. Potts has been entering competitions on the state and national levels, accumulating more than 600 awards. Mr. Potts is a respected judge amongst waterfowl competitors, having judged at state and national events. He has donated many carvings to charitable organizations including several chapters of Ducks Unlimited, the New Jersey Waterfowlers, hospitals and animal shelters.

The DEP’s Waterfowl Stamp Program began in 1984 with an act of the State Legislature requiring all waterfowl hunters aged 16 and older to buy state waterfowl stamps. The Division currently administers the program for the purpose of purchasing wetlands for waterfowl habitat. To date, proceeds from the sale of New Jersey’s duck stamps and prints have raised more than $3.9 million to acquire wetlands for waterfowl habitat and public use. More than 13,000 acres of waterfowl habitat have been purchased or donated.