Artists sought for Calif. bird stamp contest

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is conducting an art contest to select the design for the state’s 2017-18 upland game bird stamp.

The contest is open to all U.S. residents ages 18 and over. Entries will be accepted from Oct. 30 through Nov.15.

This year’s stamp will feature the Wilson’s snipe (Gallinago delicate), a game bird.

Entries must include at least one Wilson’s snipe, preferably in a setting representative of its natural habitat in California. Entries will be judged on originality, artistic composition, anatomical accuracy and suitability for reproduction as a stamp and a print.

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 public judging event, with the date and location to be announced.

The money generated from stamp sales must be spent on upland game bird-related conservation projects, education, hunting opportunities and outreach.

For contest information and entry forms, go online.