The Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act, commonly known as the Duck Stamp Act, is a conservation revenue program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) that’s been in effect since 1934. Duck Stamps are licenses required for any waterfowl hunters in the U.S. The funds from Duck Stamp sales are directed toward wetland restoration and conservation efforts throughout the USFWS’ national wildlife refuges. Over the program’s lifetime, Duck Stamps have raised over $1.1 billion in sales. On average, the program generates over $40 million each year.
Duck Stamp Art Contest
While the Duck Stamp primarily acts as a hunting license, the stamps have become a beloved collector’s item for wildlife conservationists and artists. The USFWS holds an annual art contest for wildlife artists to design the Duck Stamp. There are over forty species of waterfowl eligible for the Duck Stamp. Contestants can choose from five species selected by the USFWS to depict in their design. The 2023 contest is open and accepting submissions through August 15, 2023.
For the 2023 contest, the eligible species include:
- Snow Goose
- American Black Duck
- Northern Pintail
- Ring-necked Duck
- Harlequin Duck
Wetland Conservation
Last week, the USFWS stated they would receive over $146 million in funding from the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission to conserve and restore 242,000 acres of wetlands. Over $20 million of the available funds is attributed to Duck Stamp sales.
These funds will be used to purchase waterfowl habitat at the following national wildlife refuges:
- Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana – $1,466,000 to acquire 548 acres.
- Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge in Kentucky – $6,621,000 to acquire 2,482 acres.
- Green River National Wildlife Refuge in Kentucky – $11,372,000 to acquire 1,335 acres.
- Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge in New Hampshire – $1,066,450 to acquire 797 acres.
- Willapa National Wildlife Refuge in Washington – $1,255,248 to acquire 239 acres.
Sources
Kauffman, V. (2023). Interior Department Announces More Than $146 Million for Wetland Conservation Projects and National Wildlife Refuges. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Retrieved from https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2023-04/more-146-million-wetland-conservation-projects-and-national-wildlife-refuges
US Fish and Wildlife Service. (n.d.). 2023 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest. Retrieved from https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2023%20Federal%20Duck%20Stamp%20Art%20Contest%20regulations%20v2.pdf