RANDOLPH – The Federal Duck Stamp Prints have been created locally. Jennifer Miller, an Olean native and resident, won the prestigious 2015-16 Federal Duck Stamp contest in September, and is producing collectible prints, which were printed at Register Graphics in Randolph.

Miller’s acrylic painting of a pair of Ruddy Ducks will be reproduced as a Federal Migratory Bird Conservation and Hunting Stamp (known as the Duck Stamp), to be released June 26. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service produces the stamp, which sells for $25 and raises $25 million each year to provide critical funds to conserve and protect wetland habitats in the National Wildlife Refuge System for the benefit of wildlife and the enjoyment of people. Stamps may be purchased after the release date at U.S. Post Offices, sporting goods counters, National Wildlife Refuges and online.

Part of the tradition of the Duck Stamp is producing highly collectible signed and numbered printed reproductions of the winning painting. These prints are produced independently of the stamp, though many collectors purchase both to display together. Several thousand prints are produced each year by a publisher to satisfy national demand. Miller is publishing her own prints, and partnered with Register Graphics Inc. in Randolph to print the edition locally. The prints were run Thursday, May 28, after two days of careful proofing.

Producing such a prestigious and sought-after print is no small task, and the process began in autumn of 2014, when Miller’s winning painting was sent to National Geographic for high-end digital imaging. Miller then designed a large decorative folio for the print, and Certificates of Authenticity, which were also printed at Register Graphics. The staff at Register Graphics went to great lengths to source the highest quality paper and color balance to ensure a quality, archival reproduction. Miller was present to approve all stages of the proofing and printing process.

“Printing this has been a huge honor,” said Robert Beach, Register Graphics CEO. “We’re very proud to have this in our local community.”

Miller is the third woman artist to have art featured on the Duck Stamp since the program began in 1934. It is her first win. She has received no formal education beyond high school and draws inspiration from natural settings. From an early age Miller has had a desire to paint wildlife, and while her talents also include creating fantasy paintings and gemstone jewelry, her passion involves studying birds and their habitats. She lives with her husband, four parrots and a flock of chickens.

For inquiries about Miller’s Duck Stamp Print, contact her through her website: featherdust.com or attend the Hometown Celebration on July 18 from 1-5 p.m. at Westons Mills Community Center, 1300 Olean-Portville Road, Olean. It is free and open to the public, and special stamp cancellations will also be available.

For more information on the Federal Duck Stamp program and contest, visit fws.gov/duckstamps.