California 2012 Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contest Announced
California –-(Ammoland.com)- The California Department of Fish and Game is sponsoring an art contest for the 2012-2013 design for the state upland game bird stamp.
Open to all U.S. residents age 18 and older, entries will be accepted beginning Saturday until the Jan. 31, 2012 deadline. Entries must feature the band-tailed pigeon (Columba fasciata), and must include at least one adult bird.
A California upland game bird stamp is required for hunting resident and migratory upland game birds, including quail, wild turkey, pheasant and dove. Hunters are no longer required to physically attach the stamp to their license, but the stamps are still produced and mailed to purchasers upon request.
The department sells about 200,000 of the stamps annually, which are also prized by art collectors. Limited-edition signed prints may also be available for purchase. Proceeds from sales are spent on upland game bird-related projects, including conservation, education and outreach programs.
Designs will be judged on originality, artistic composition, anatomical accuracy and suitability for reproduction as a stamp and print. The winning entry will be chosen during a public judging event next spring, date and location to be determined.
Contest rules, entry forms and further information can be found on the department’s website.
Image of 2011/2012 upland game bird stamp by artist Jeffrey Kleinefelter, of Etna Green, Ind., courtesy of Matt Elyash / Department of Fish and Game