The 2013 duck stamp features a photo of Pacific white-fronted geese taken by Anchorage photographer Donna Dewhurst during spring migration in the Mat-Su Valley. Three populations of Greater white-fronted geese occur in Alaska. Those breeding on the Arctic Coastal Plain and Interior Alaska are part of the Mid-continent population whose breeding range extends eastward to Hudson Bay in Canada. The Mid-continent birds winter in the lower Mississippi River Valley, southern Texas, and northern Mexico. Current population estimates exceed 700,000 birds. Numbers have been steadily increasing on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska where over 200,000 geese may occur. Pacific White-fronts breed in western Alaska, primarily the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, and winter in California. Current population estimates exceed 600,000 birds, well above management objectives. Numbers have been increasing since the 1980’s. The Tule White-fronted Goose, by far the smallest of the 3 populations with perhaps only 12,000 birds, nests primarily in the lower Susitna River Valley and marshes of Upper Cook Inlet. Tule’s, identified by their larger size, richer brown coloration on the head and neck, and less speckling on the belly, winter in California. Populations of Tule’s are low, but stable. Also new to the 2013 duck stamp is the HIP Certification number printed on the right side of the stamp. In past years this number was found on the back of the stamp.
