An exhibition of 37 California state duck stamps opens Monday at the California Museum in downtown Sacramento.

California has used original artwork for its duck stamp program since 1971—beginning with the artwork of Paul Johnson—when it developed the first state duck program in the nation, said deputy museum director Amanda Meeker.

Hunters are required to buy the stamps and put them on their licenses, and the resulting funds are used for conservation of wetlands and geese and duck habitats, explained Meeker. She said that the program has raised $22 million since its inception.

Between 1971 and 1977, and 1995 to 2008, the Department of Fish and Game commissioned artwork for the stamps, according to Meeker. However, between 1978 and 1994, she said artwork was chosen from the state duck stamp competition.

The renowned competition was held again for the first time in 15 years on Wednesday for the 2009-2010 California state duck stamp, won by Indiana artist Jeffrey Klinefelter.

The artwork from every year’s stamp—not including this year’s—will be on display at the museum.

The exhibition is in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Game; it will run through September 20.

The California Museum is located on 1020 O Street, and its hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

Admission is $8.50 for adults, $7 for students and seniors with valid I.D., $6 for children ages 6 to 13, and free for children ages 5 and under.

You can visit the California Museum website here.

To read more about this year’s California duck stamp competition, visit this link.

*Author’s Note: Accompanying image is 1997 California duck stamp by artist Robert Steiner, courtesy of the CA Department of Fish & Game.