2003 RW70 SNOW GEESE

Description

Painting of a pair of Snow Geese over the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge by Ron Louque of Virginia.

Louisiana-native Ron Louque has been a professional wildlife artist since 1974, but has been fascinated with wildlife since childhood. Ron got his start as a taxidermist at the age of nine and later launched his Audubon-like painting career as a zoology and ornithology student at Louisiana State University. In 1983, Ron moved to Virginia, where he has become known for his paintings of Mid-Atlantic and Blue Ridge Mountain landscapes and wildlife.

Throughout his career, Ron has received national recognition and accolades, being named the Ward Foundation’s World Champion Wildfowl Master in 1984 and an American Masters Foundation Recipient in 1978. His work has appeared on the covers of numerous magazines, including Ducks Unlimited, Audubon, and the Louisiana Conservationist. Ron is most noted, though, for his record 27 wins of state conservation stamp art contests. Ron was thrilled to win the 2002-2003 Federal Duck Stamp Contest after submitting entries since 1973 and repeatedly placing among the top 10 or 20 finalists.

——————–THE ART——————–

Snow Goose was reproduced as a photo-lithograph on fine 100% rag paper using premium fade-resistant inks.   The collector edition consists of 17,500 signed and numbered prints, 2,000 Medallion edition and 500 Executive editions which include a pencil remarque. There was also an artist proof edition of 950 prints.  The print image size is 6 1/2″x9″.  The medallion is full struck 2 3/32″x1-5/16″

——————–THE STAMP——————–

Plates Issued: N/A. Color: Black, Cyan, Magneta, Yellow, PMS 716 Orange & Intaglio Black 300 line screen. Press: N/A Designer: Phil Jordan Modeler: Jospeh Sheeran. Engraver: Photo Chemical Etch Printer: Ashton Potter USA Ltd. First Day of Sale: July 1, 2003. Issue: 2003 – Seventieth Duck Stamp (twelfth $15.00 stamp), Sixth Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) Issue – RW70A. Quantity Sold: 1,619, 104 (This is an estimate only – numbers will be updated).

Inscription: Front – “U.S. Department of the Interior. Void June 30, 2004. Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. $15. Snow Geese.”

Back – “Invest in America’s Future. Buy Duck Stamps. Save Wetlands. Send in or report all bird bands to 1-800-327-BAND. It is unlawful to hunt waterfowl or use this stamp as a pass to a National Wildlife Refuge unless you sign your name in ink on the face of this stamp.”

PSA Inscription: Front – “U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. 2003-2004 Migratory Bird Hunting & Conservation Stamp. Artist: Ron Louque. From a single refuge on Pelican Island, Florida, created 100 years ago, the National Wildlife Refuge System has grown to a network of 540 refuges totaling nearly 100 million acres. If applicable, sign, peel, and attach to hunting license. Peel here.”

Back – “Celebrating a Century of Conservation. 1. This year, the National Wildlife Refuge System is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and the conservation of nearly 100 million acres of wildlife habitat. 2. The Migratory Bird hunting and Conservation Stamp turns 70 years old with this year’s issue. Since 1934, the Stamp has raised over half a billion dollars, which has helped to conserve over 5 million acres of critical habitat on National Wildlife Refuges. 3. Refuges offer unparalleled outdoor activities for all Americans, such as hunting, fishing, bird watching, and education. More than 300 refuges provide hunting nationwide. Stamps are not refundable. Important: Sign your name in ink on the face of the stamp to use it for hunting or as a season pass to any National Wildlife Refuge. Local hunting regulations Please contact your state’s Department of Fish & Game or Natural Resources. Report all bird bands. 1-800-327-BAND. AMPLEX retail reordering 1-800-852-4897 www.duckstamp.com. Individual stamp orders 1-800-DUCK499 or 1-800-STAMP24 www.duckstamp.com OR www.usps.com. Federal Duck Stamp Office Mail Stop: MBSP-4070. 4401 North Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA 22203-1622 www.duckstamps.fws.gov”