3 brothers finish 1-2-3 in prestigious wildlife art contest

Three Minnesota brothers have hit the trifecta of the wildlife art world, taking the top three spots in the prestigious Federal Duck Stamp art contest.

Joseph Hautman, of Plymouth, won with his painting of a pair of trumpeter swans. This is Hautman's fifth Federal Duck Stamp contest win. His painting will grace the 2016-17 stamp, which goes on sale in June.

His brother, Robert Hautman of Delano, placed second with his painting of a pair of mallards, while James Hautman, of Chaska, took third with his own pair of mallards.

The Hautman brothers have won a combined 11 Federal Duck Stamp contests, but this is the first time they've won all three top spots in what's considered the ultimate prize in the highly competitive world of wildlife stamp painting.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.