CDFW Newshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/NewsCDFW Seeks Artists to Enter California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contesthttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-seeks-artists-to-enter-california-upland-game-bird-stamp-art-contest2Upland Game Bird StampFri, 22 Sep 2023 11:25:15 GMTAnnual art contest returns to select the design for the state’s 2023-2024 upland game bird stamp.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is conducting its annual art contest to select the design for the state’s 2023-2024 upland game bird stamp. The California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contest is open to all U.S. residents ages 18 and older, excluding current and former CDFW employees. Entries will be accepted from Oct. 30 through Dec. 1.</p> <p>This year’s stamp will feature the wild turkey. First introduced to California in the early 1900s, the wild turkey is native to the central and eastern United States and parts of Mexico. Wild turkeys are the largest North American gamebird with males weighing an average of 20 pounds. Turkeys are social animals, intelligent with a detailed understanding of their surroundings and able to recognize each other by voice. Males puff their feathers and spread their wings and tails to appear larger to attract a mate. The head, neck and surrounding fleshy area can range from white to blue to red with increasing attraction, aggression or fear. Males have feathers that are red, green, purple, copper, bronze and gold while the females have softer shades of brown and grey. Their engaging behavior, accessibility on public lands and delicious taste make them one of the most popular hunted species in North America.</p> <p>Entries must include at least one wild turkey, preferably in a habitat or setting representative of California. Entries will be judged on originality, artistic composition, anatomical accuracy, and suitability for reproduction as a stamp and print.</p> <p>The contest will be judged by a panel of experts in the fields of ornithology, conservation, art and printing. The winning artist will be selected during a judging event in December.</p> <p>An upland game bird validation is required for hunting migratory and resident upland game birds in California. The money generated from stamp sales is dedicated to upland game bird-related conservation projects, education, hunting opportunities and outreach. CDFW sells more than 150,000 upland game bird validations annually. Any individual who purchases an upland game bird validation may request their free collectible stamp by visiting <a href="/licensing/collector-stamps">wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/collector-stamps</a>. For collectors who do not purchase a hunting license or upland game bird validation, or for hunters who wish to purchase additional collectible stamps, an order form is also available on the website.</p> <p>For contest information and entry forms, please visit <a href="/upland-game-bird-stamp">wildlife.ca.gov/upland-game-bird-stamp</a>.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:mailto:matt.meshriy@wildlife.ca.gov">Matt Meshriy</a>, CDFW Wildlife Branch, (916) 322-6709<br /> <a href="mailto:mailto:amanda.l.mcdermott@wildlife.ca.gov">Amanda McDermott</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 738-9641</em></p> Indiana Artist Wins California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contesthttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/indiana-artist-wins-california-upland-game-bird-stamp-art-contest1Upland Game Bird StampFri, 17 Feb 2023 16:08:57 GMTJeffrey Klinefelter has won the 2021-22 California Upland Game Bird Stamp art contest.<p><strong>2022/2023 Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contest winning entry of chukar by artist Jeffrey Klinefelter of Etna Green, Indiana.</strong></p> <p>A painting of chukar has been chosen by a panel of judges as the winning entry in the 2022-2023 California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contest. The painting was created by Jeffrey Klinefelter of Etna Green, Ind.</p> <p>Klinefelter previously placed first in the 2021-22, 2019-20, 2018-19 and 2017-18 California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art contests, as well as the 2020-21 California Duck Stamp Art Contest.</p> <p>Sponsored by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the annual contest determined the official design for this year’s California Upland Game Bird Stamp.</p> <p>Contest entries were judged by a panel of experts selected for their knowledge in the fields of ornithology, conservation, art and printing. Designs were judged on originality, artistic composition, anatomical accuracy and suitability for reproduction as a stamp and print.</p> <p>The judges were initially drawn to the attention to detail in Klinefelter’s painting, especially in the feathers on the rump and wing cover. They also highlighted the accurate coloring of the feathers. They appreciated that the chukar looked healthy and well-fed with realistic anatomy and noted their believable proportions in relation to the background. This background habitat impressed the judges as well, reminding them of a snowy grassland in the northeastern corner of California.</p> <p>Coloration and habitat were two of the biggest challenges for Klinefelter when he was planning his painting. “There are no chukars in Indiana,” he said, “and pen-raised ones aren’t as colorful, so I had to do some research. Also, photos can throw you as far as coloration since photographers tend to increase color intensity.” The research paid off, however, as the judges specifically noted the accuracy of the color and background in Klinefelter’s painting.</p> <div style="max-width: 800px;"> <p><a href="/Portals/0/Images/OCEO/UGBStamp/1st_Klinefelter_1000.jpg" targt="_blank"><img alt="Painting of two birds standing on rocks with grass and snow in background, with 1st place ribbon - link open in new tab or window." src="/Portals/0/Images/OCEO/UGBStamp/1st_Klinefelter_1000.jpg" style="border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; float: left; width: 185px; margin: 2px; height: 120px;" /></a><a href="/Portals/0/Images/OCEO/UGBStamp/2nd_Ford_1000.jpg" targt="_blank"><img alt="Three small birds standing on a rock, with 2nd place ribbon - link open in new tab or window." src="/Portals/0/Images/OCEO/UGBStamp/2nd_Ford_1000.jpg" style="margin: 2px 3px; float: left; width: 185px; height: 120px;" /></a><a href="/Portals/0/Images/OCEO/UGBStamp/3rd_Brent_1000.jpg" targt="_blank"><img alt="Two birds on grass with trees in background, with 3rd place ribbon - link open in new tab or window." src="/Portals/0/Images/OCEO/UGBStamp/3rd_Brent_1000.jpg" style="margin: 2px 3px; float: left; width: 185px; height: 120px;" /></a><a href="/Portals/0/Images/OCEO/UGBStamp/4th_Ostlund_1000.jpg" targt="_blank"><img alt="Three birds with mountain range in background, with honorable mention ribbon - link open in new tab or window." src="/Portals/0/Images/OCEO/UGBStamp/4th_Ostlund_1000.jpg" style="margin: 2px 3px; float: left; width: 185px; height: 120px;" /></a></p> </div> <p>Diane Ford of Bethesda, Md., placed second in this year’s competition. Xochitl Acosta Brent of Redwood City, Calif., received third. Debra A. Ostlund of Pine River, Minn., received honorable mention.</p> <p>An upland game bird validation is required for hunting migratory and resident upland game birds in California. The validation replaces the stamp through CDFW’s Automated License Data System, but the stamp is still produced and available to hunters upon request. Monies generated from upland game bird validation sales are dedicated solely to upland game bird-related conservation projects, hunting opportunities, public outreach and education. CDFW annually sells about 165,000 upland game bird validations and distributes approximately 24,000 stamps.</p> <p>Any individual who purchases an upland game bird validation may request their free collectable stamp by visiting <a href="http://wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/collector-stamps">wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/collector-stamps</a>. An order form is also available on the website for collectors who do not purchase a hunting license or upland game bird validation, or for hunters who wish to purchase additional collectible stamps.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Matt.Meshriy@wildlife.ca.gov">Matt Meshriy</a>, CDFW Wildlife Branch, (916) 322-6709<br /> <a href="mailto:Amanda.L.Mcdermott@wildlife.ca.gov">Amanda McDermott</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 738-9641</em>  </p> Indiana Artist Wins California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contesthttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/indiana-artist-wins-california-upland-game-bird-stamp-art-contestUpland Game Bird StampWed, 26 Jan 2022 15:36:47 GMTIndiana Artist Wins 2021-22 California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contest<p>A painting of mountain quail has been chosen by a panel of judges as the winning entry in the 2021-2022 California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contest. The painting was created by Jeffrey Klinefelter of Etna Green, Indiana.</p> <p>Klinefelter previously placed first in the 2019-20, 2018-19 and 2017-18 California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art contests, as well as the 2020-21 California Duck Stamp Art Contest.</p> <p>Sponsored by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the annual contest determined the official design for this year’s California Upland Game Bird Stamp.</p> <p>Contest entries were judged recently by a panel of experts selected for their knowledge in the fields of ornithology, conservation, art and printing. Designs were judged on originality, artistic composition, anatomical accuracy and suitability for reproduction as a stamp and print.</p> <p>The judges were immediately drawn to the realistic depiction of the mountain quail in Klinefelter’s painting, especially noting the vibrant color and excellent proportions. They commented on the accuracy of the quails’ plumes and also appreciated the lifelike sparkle in the birds’ eyes. The sharp detail in the painting contrasted well with the blurred background, creating a photographic effect, which is exactly what Klinefelter intended.</p> <p>“I wanted to make the birds stand out in the design, so I made the background vague on purpose. I didn’t want it to be overpowering,” Klinefelter said. As for the quail themselves, he found it challenging to get the proportions and coloration just right. “It’s a species we don’t see in my area, so it’s a challenge when you don’t see them in real life,” he said, adding that he noticed a lot of color variation in the photographs he studied.</p> <p><img alt="Painting of two mountain quail standing on rock, with blue first place ribbon" src="/Portals/0/Images/OCEO/UGBStamp/1st_Klinefelter_300.JPG" style="margin: 2px; width: 300px; height: 200px;" /><img alt="Painting of two mountain quail standing on rock, with red second place ribbon" src="/Portals/0/Images/OCEO/UGBStamp/2nd_Jordan_300.jpg" style="margin: 2px; width: 300px; height: 200px;" /><img alt="Painting of two mountain quail standing in field, with white third place ribbon" src="/Portals/0/Images/OCEO/UGBStamp/3rd_Fleet_300.JPG" style="margin: 2px; width: 300px; height: 200px;" /><img alt="Painting of a mountain quail standing among orange flowers, with blue honorable mention ribbon" src="/Portals/0/Images/OCEO/UGBStamp/4th_Abedoy_300.jpg" style="margin: 2px; width: 300px; height: 200px;" /><br /> <strong>Jane C. Jordan of Volant, Pa., placed second in this year’s competition. Erik Fleet of Julian, California, placed third. Armando Abedoy II of Whittier, California, received honorable mention.</strong></p> <p>An upland game bird validation is required for hunting migratory and resident upland game birds in California. The validation replaces the stamp through CDFW’s Automated License Data System, but the stamp is still produced and available to hunters upon request. Monies generated from upland game bird validation sales are dedicated solely to upland game bird-related conservation projects, hunting opportunities, public outreach and education. CDFW annually sells about 165,000 upland game bird validations and distributes approximately 24,000 stamps.</p> <p>Any individual who purchases an upland game bird validation may request their free collectable stamp by visiting <a href="/licensing/collector-stamps">wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/collector-stamps</a>. An order form is also available on the website for collectors who do not purchase a hunting license or upland game bird validation, or for hunters who wish to purchase additional collectible stamps.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:matt.meshriy@wildlife.ca.gov">Matt Meshriy</a>, CDFW Wildlife Branch, (916) 322-6709<br /> <a href="mailto:amanda.l.mcdermott@wildlife.ca.gov">Amanda McDermott</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 738-9641</em></p>