California artist Robert Steiner is the winner of the 2012 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest. This is Steiner’s second Federal Duck Stamp Contest win. His art previously appeared on the 1998-1999 Federal Duck Stamp.
Steiner’s acrylic painting of a common goldeneye will be made into the 2013-2014 Federal Duck Stamp, which will go on sale in late June 2013.
Paul Bridgeford of Des Moines, Iowa, placed second with his acrylic painting of a pair of northern shovelers. Gerald Mobley of Claremore, Okla., took third place with his acrylic painting of a pair of northern shovelers.
Waterfowl hunters age 16 and older are required to purchase and carry the current Migratory Bird Conservation and Hunting Stamp. Conservationists, stamp collectors and others may also purchase the stamp in support of habitat conservation. Current year stamps can also be used for free admission to any National Wildlife Refuge open to the public.
The Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest is the only juried art competition sponsored by the federal government. Eligible species for this year’s Federal Duck Stamp Contest were the brant, Canada goose, common goldeneye, Northern shoveler and ruddy duck.
Federal Duck Stamps can be purchased at many national wildlife refuges, the U.S. Postal Service, or online at:
http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/stamps.htm
Electronic files of the artwork can be downloaded from:
www.fws.gov/duckstamps
source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service