On December 19, 2023, President Biden signed into law the Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023. This Act modifies provisions regarding the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly referred to as the Duck Stamp, now allowing an individual to carry an electronic stamp for the entire waterfowl hunting season.
This law will not affect the current 2023-2024 hunting season. Since the 2023-2024 hunting season began on September 1, 2023, we will continue to implement the current regulations.
We are currently working to determine how this will impact our current E-Stamp partnerships and develop an implementation plan and schedule.
Migratory bird hunters at or over the age of 16 must possess a current signed Federal Duck Stamp, along with state licenses and permits, to hunt legally. An E-stamp allows someone to purchase a stamp online and immediately use the certification to legally hunt for 45-days while the physical stamp is mailed to them.
Hunters have played an integral part in conserving America’s wildlife and habitat – best illustrated by the success of the Federal Duck Stamp Program. For nearly 90 years, by buying Duck Stamps, waterfowl hunters and others have supported the conservation of more than 6 million acres of wetland habitat. We appreciate the continued support for the Duck Stamp and will work to create a plan for implementing the Duck Stamp Modernization Act.
Purchasing Federal Duck Stamps is easy! We offer a variety of methods for you to purchase the annual stamp – whether you need one for migratory bird hunting, admittance to a National Wildlife Refuge, as part of your stamp or art collection, to showcase the wildlife species, or because you want an easy and effective way to support habitat conservation.
The annual Federal Duck Stamp goes on sale at the end of June. A “First Day of Issue” event is often held to celebrate the artists, purchasers, and conservation partners.
The date of the First Day of Issue for the 2024-2025 Duck Stamp and Junior Duck Stamp is tentatively scheduled for 10 am on June 28, 2024 in Hannover, MD. Please check back for more details.
Anyone can contribute to wildlife habitat conservation by purchasing a Federal Duck Stamp. Since quality wetland habitats provide habitat for a myriad of species – including threatened and endangered plants and animals – as well as provide clean water, aid in flood control, and reduce the effects of soil erosion and sedimentation a current Federal Duck Stamp purchase allows you to be an active conservationist. Healthy habitats also enhance outdoor recreation opportunities which can provide an economic incentive to local communities.
Migratory Bird Hunters (primarily duck and goose hunters) at or over the age of 16 must possess a current signed Federal Duck Stamp, along with state licenses and permits, to hunt legally. An E-stamp allows you to purchase a stamp online and immediately use the certification to legally hunt for 45-days while your physical stamp is mailed to you.
The Service also depends on the U.S. Postal Service and our consignees to sell physical stamps at their locations or online through our consignment program.
Federal Duck Stamps are printed in two formats on pressure-sensitive adhesive paper. The most common format is the pane of 1 dollar bill-sized sheetlet which features a detachable stamp on a carrier with additional artwork and information. A smaller number of sheets of 20 stamps are printed as well – these are primarily purchased by those wanting “just the stamp” and are harder to acquire. Stamp and wildlife art collectors add to their valuable collections and support conservation at the same time. As the longest running, single-themed stamp in the world, Federal Duck Stamps are first and foremost miniature works of art. The design itself is chosen each year in the only open juried art competition sponsored by the federal government. Artists can also become contributors to conservation through this unique opportunity.
*Please note: you do not need to purchase a hunting license or be a migratory bird hunter to purchase an E-stamp. You may purchase an E-Stamp from any state without being a resident of that state. For example, you can purchase a stamp from any of the states below, even though you live in Oregon.
To purchase from a state website below:
Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Massachusetts, Nebraska, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Virginia
Purchase from one of the above state websites if you need a federal duck stamp temporary certificate immediately. It is good for migratory bird hunting for up to 45 days. The physical stamp, good through June 30, should arrive at your specified mailing address within 10-15 days of your purchase.
NOTE: If you have purchased an e-stamp and the physical stamp has not arrived within 30 days from when purchased, you must follow up and contact the distributor directly to have it traced and to receive your physical stamp (duckstamp@amplex.com or 1-800-852-4897). Often a current, complete mailing address has been incorrectly entered.
Suzanne Fellows, Duck Stamp Program Manager
Migratory Bird Program
Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
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