Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (The Duck Stamp)
The Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, more commonly known as the “Duck Stamp,” was established in 1934 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a federal waterfowl-hunting license, the proceeds of which went to buy wetlands for duck conservation on national wildlife refuges. Today, the Duck Stamp serves a much larger purpose and is one of the most successful conservation programs in America. Ninety-eight cents out of every dollar generated by the sale of these stamps goes directly to acquire wetland habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Since the program started, duck stamps have raised more than $750 million to protect more than 5.3 million acres of wetland and grassland habitat. Beyond serving as a hunting license and helping protect wildlife habitats, the stamp serves as a free pass to any refuge that would otherwise charge admission. Many nonhunters purchase the stamp to support the refuge system and its mission of protecting wildlife habitat.
J.N. “Ding” Darling designed the first federal Duck Stamp in 1934. Beginning in 1949, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has sponsored a stamp-design contest featuring wildlife artists from across the country–the only juried art competition sponsored by the federal government. The winning art is then used on the following year’s stamp.
James Hautman of Chaska, Minn., took the honors in the 2010 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest for his image of a pair of white-fronted geese that appears on the 2011 – 2012 Federal Duck Stamp. Hautman previously won the contest in 1990, 1995 and 1999.
- The white-fronted geese adorning 2011 Federal Duck Stamp were painted by James Hautman. | USFWS
The stamp costs only $15 and can be purchased at many post offices or at http://www.duckstamp.com (the official distributor). It can also be purchased at most major sporting goods stores that sell hunting and fishing licenses. See how Duck Stamp dollars have been used to benefit refuges in your state.
Duck Stamp Links:
- Learn more about the stamp, its history and how it has helped refuges near you at: http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/
- Find out how to purchase stamps: http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/stamps.htm
What NWRA is doing:
- NWRA manages the Duck Stamp listserve, an email group discussion on ways to promote the duck stamp. To find out more or to sign up, email pwoolford@refugeassociation.org.
- NWRA advocates every year for increased funding for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and we actively support an increase in the price of the Duck Stamp.
North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA)
NAWCA grants enable the acquisition and restoration of critical wetlands to implement the goals and objectives of the North American Waterfowl Plan, the Waterbird Plan, the U.S. Shorebird Plan and Partners in Flight. A congressional allocation of $70 million in 2011 will deliver multiple benefits including habitat restoration, improved water quality and even carbon sequestration.