A painting by Robert Steiner, of San Francisco, has been chosen as the winning entry in the 2012 California Duck Stamp Contest. The painting, which depicts three Aleutian Canada geese in flight over Butte Sink in the Sacramento Valley, edged out nine other entries to become the official design for the 2012-13 stamp during a contest June 28 in Sacramento.

“I am elated,” said Steiner. “I wanted to make this a California duck stamp. I wanted it to be recognizable as a California scene.”

The three judges validated Steiner’s artistic vision, praising the authenticity of the habitat portrayed in his painting as well as the anatomical correctness of the geese. One judge complimented how accurately the painting evoked the sight of geese flying overhead in the early morning.

Artists from around the country submitted entries for this year’s contest, sponsored by the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG). Timothy Turenne, of Richefield, Minn., placed second; Broderick Crawford, of Clayton, Ga., placed third; and Roberta Baer, of Redding, received honorable mention.

The four paintings will be displayed at this year’s Pacific Flyway Decoy Association show in Sacramento July 14 – 15.

Since 1971, the California Duck Stamp Program’s annual contest has attracted top wildlife artists from around the country. All proceeds generated from stamp sales go directly to waterfowl conservation projects throughout California.

In the past, hunters were required to purchase and affix the stamp to their hunting licenses. Today, hunters are no longer required to carry the stamps because California’s modern licensing system prints proof of additional fees paid directly onto the license. However, DFG still produces the stamps, which can be requested via DFG’s website at dfg.ca.gov/licensing/collectorstamps.

The American wigeon will be the subject of the 2013 California Duck Stamp Art Contest.