Indiana Artist Wins 2026 California Duck Stamp Art Contest

A painting by Jeffrey Klinefelter of Etna Green, Ind., has been chosen as the winner of the 2026 California Duck Stamp Art Contest. Klinefelter’s painting, which depicts a greater white-fronted goose, will be the official design for the 2026-27 California Duck Stamp.

The judging was held in June, with entries evaluated by a panel of experts in ornithology, conservation, art and printing. Designs were judged on originality, artistic composition, anatomical accuracy and suitability for reproduction as a stamp and print.

Judge Andrea Mott, Migratory Game Bird Biologist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), was impressed by Klinefelter’s winning painting.

“Wow, just wow. This will make a charming stamp. The background is well-suited for California. The image is incredibly lifelike and detailed. It's a great representation of the species,” Mott said.

Diane Ford received second place in the competition; Donald Shlie received third place and Lee Hoemann received honorable mention.

The greater white-fronted goose, often referred to as a “specklebelly” or “speck” by waterfowl hunters, was selected by the California Fish and Game Commission as the species for the 2026-27 California Duck Stamp. The species is characterized by its brownish-gray body, barred belly and distinctive white forehead. Greater white-fronted geese breed in the Arctic tundra and migrate to wintering areas that include California’s Central Valley where they can be found in large flocks on wetlands and agricultural fields.

Klinefelter is an accomplished wildlife artist who has previously won California stamp art competitions. He won the 2020-21 California Duck Stamp Art Contest and has also won multiple California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art contests.

Artists from around the country submitted entries for the contest that was sponsored by CDFW. The annual competition was established in 1971 and is open to artists from across the United States, to attract a wide range of wildlife artists.

All proceeds generated from California Duck Stamp sales go directly to waterfowl conservation projects throughout California. Although hunters are no longer required to carry a physical stamp in the field because California’s automated licensing system provides proof of the purchase on the license, CDFW continues to produce the stamps, which are available to hunters and collectors upon request.

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Media Contacts:
Cort Klopping, CDFW Communications, (916) 201-2958
Melanie Weaver, CDFW Wildlife Branch

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