The Nevada Waterfowl Association has selected the greater white-fronted goose for this year’s Nevada Duck Stamp Art Contest. The 2015 Nevada Duck Stamp Art Contest is sanctioned by the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners, with the winning artwork to be featured on the 2015-2016 state stamp.
All interested artists are encouraged to enter the contest, whether residing in Nevada or elsewhere. Entries must be an original creation, in any drawing medium and must be received by the Nevada Department of Wildlife no later than October 17, 2014. Contest rules are available on the NDOW website here, or by calling (775) 688-1998 for more information.
The greater white-fronted goose is named for the patch of white feathers bordering the base of its bill. But even more distinctive are the salt-and-pepper markings on the breast of adult birds, which is why the goose is colloquially called the "specklebelly."
Greater white-fronted geese are 25–32 inches in length. The head, neck and back are dark brown. The breast is grayish brown with black bars or blotches. The belly and upper coverts are white. White-fronted geese have pinkish bills and orange legs and feet. Males and females look alike, but commonly the males are larger.
Entries will be judged by seven individuals, including two members of the NBWC and five others as appointed by the Nevada Waterfowl Association. The names of the top ten finalists will be announced by NDOW on November 17, 2014.
In the state of Nevada, any person 12-64 years old who hunts any migratory bird except mourning or white-winged dove, snipe, coot or moorhen (gallinule) is required to purchase a state duck stamp. Money from the sale of Nevada Duck Stamps is used for projects approved by the Commission for the protection and propagation of migratory game birds, and for the acquisition, development and preservation of wetlands in Nevada.