National Duck Retriever Champion. King Buck was a black Labrador who was honored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1959 by using his picture on its duck stamp to promote conservation through the use of retrievers to reduce losses of downed ducks. The Labrador's appearance on the stamp marked the only diviation as they have always featured water foul. The stamp must be applied to a valid state hunting license and signed to validate. Famous wildlife artist, Maynard Reece painted a watercolor of the retriver and submitted the entry to the Service where it was selected. Over two million were purchased by hunters and collectors of duck stamps. King Buck survived a bout of distemper as a puppy, but grew to become the most famous dog in the history of duck hunting winning the National Retriever Championship in 1952 and 1953. He continued competing in national events to age nine. Upon reaching his 14th birthday, his health began to fail. With his eyesight and hearing gone, his owners ended his suffering by putting him to sleep. King Buck was interred near the entrance of his home, Nilo Kennels. A black statue of him stands guard over his grave.
National Duck Retriever Champion. King Buck was a black Labrador who was honored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1959 by using his picture on its duck stamp to promote conservation through the use of retrievers to reduce losses of downed ducks. The Labrador's appearance on the stamp marked the only diviation as they have always featured water foul. The stamp must be applied to a valid state hunting license and signed to validate. Famous wildlife artist, Maynard Reece painted a watercolor of the retriver and submitted the entry to the Service where it was selected. Over two million were purchased by hunters and collectors of duck stamps. King Buck survived a bout of distemper as a puppy, but grew to become the most famous dog in the history of duck hunting winning the National Retriever Championship in 1952 and 1953. He continued competing in national events to age nine. Upon reaching his 14th birthday, his health began to fail. With his eyesight and hearing gone, his owners ended his suffering by putting him to sleep. King Buck was interred near the entrance of his home, Nilo Kennels. A black statue of him stands guard over his grave.
Bio by: Donald Greyfield
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