Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps, or "duck stamps," are stamps created by the U.S. Postal Service for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. A federal duck stamp is required for hunting migratory fowl, but purchasing a stamp fulfills a much larger purpose.

History

On July 1, 1934, the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act created the annual duck stamp with a face value of $1.00. In the first 49 years, over 86 million stamps were sold for the purpose of purchasing, developing and maintaining wetlands.

Misconceptions

Some feel that hunting is not good for the environment, but the creation of the duck stamp was the idea of conservationists. In the 1930s, the populations of wild ducks and geese were shrinking from overshooting and drought. The Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act created revenue for conservation of migratory waterfowl.

Features

Anyone over 16 years of age is required to purchase a duck stamp if they hunt waterfowl. Wildlife other than waterfowl benefit from the federal duck stamps: Other birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and amphibian species that rely on wetland habitats have grown. Humans have benefited from protected wetlands; these habitats purify our water, reduce soil erosion, provide habitat for fish spawning, and preserve outdoor areas.

Prevention/Solution

Federal duck stamp revenue has helped purchase or lease over 5.3 million acres of waterfowl habitat since 1934. One-third of our country's endangered species find food and shelter in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's National Wildlife Refuge System from the more than $750 million generated since the duck stamp's inception.

Types

With a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program began in 1989. An annual state art contest for students K-12 compete for Best of Show. The winner's from each state compete for the honor of being selected as the next year's Junior Duck Stamp.

Potential

The number of hunters has dwindled as has the purchase of duck stamps. Stamp collecting has filled the gap. According to the Federal Wildlife Services, "A collector who had purchased each of the current stamps,at issue price, would have spent around $400. This investment today would be worth well over $5,000."

Source:

Federal Duck Stamp History

National Wildlife Refuge System

Junio Duck Stamp Education Program

Resource:

Federal Duck Stamp Office

Duck Stamp Story Brochure