Five Good Reasons to Buy Two Federal Duck Stamps

What’s the most inexpensive way to improve waterfowl habitat and secure the future of waterfowl hunting?

I’d start by purchasing a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly called the duck stamp, which all migratory bird hunters are required to purchase. In fact, I’d buy two. Let me explain.

I was rereading some old stories recently, including a piece I wrote on the duck stamp, and how its price—currently $15—hadn’t been increased since 1991, the longest stretch in its history.

Despite overwhelming support from a diverse range of hunting and conservation groups, a federal proposal to raise the price (to roughly $25) has withered on the vine in Washington D.C. since 2008. 

The likelihood the U.S. Congress increases the price in the near future is slim and none. But waterfowl hunters don’t need a government edict to make a difference, and that’s why many in recent years have begun to purchase two duck stamps. In fact, Delta Waterfowl President Rob Olson endorsed the idea in 2005. 

“If every duck hunter in America purchases two federal duck stamps this fall, it would double the amount of money available to the prairie breeding grounds to protect critical waterfowl habitat,” said Olson, in a press release. “The duck stamp has done more to secure waterfowl habitat than any other waterfowl conservation program on the continent.”

Land values, especially in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR), have increased in recent years, in some cases dramatically. That makes securing voluntary perpetual easements (wetland and grassland) more expensive, thus the need for additional stamp revenues. The demand for easements is certainly high, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials; hundreds of willing landowners sit on a waiting list because there’s a lack of funding. Purchasing two duck stamps would help shorten the list and secure vitally important waterfowl habitat. 

The 2011-12 federal duck stamp, which pictures a pair of white-fronted geese painted by Minnesota artist and Delta Waterfowl member Jim Hautman, went on sale Friday. If you’re wondering how the federal stamp directly benefits you, check out this state-by-state breakdown.

If you’re still on the fence as to why it’s important to purchase two stamps, here are five good reasons to consider:

1: Since its inception in 1934, the federal duck stamp has generated more than $750 million in sales, securing more than 5.3 million acres of waterfowl habitat, including as much or more than 2.7 million acres in the prairie duck factory.

2: It is one of the most efficient conservation initiatives we have. Ninety-eight cents of every dollar goes directly into the ground as habitat. No other program I’m aware of can boast such efficiency.

3: The federal stamp not only benefits ducks, but myriad other ground-nesting birds (game and nongame) coveted by outdoor lovers. 

4: Public access for hunting on National Wildlife Refuges, which are funded in part by federal stamp purchases.

5: Because it’s the right thing to do for the future of our heritage. The idea of purchasing two duck stamps isn’t sexy, but it does have teeth. Even some of my terminally cheap hunting buddies realize an annual investment of $30 is worth it. They want ducks cupped and committed into their decoy spreads come autumn, and an extra $15 is a small price to pay. I couldn’t agree more.