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One of the easiest ways that anyone can support bird habitat conservation is by buying Federal Duck Stamps - among the most successful conservation tools ever created to protect habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Federal Duck Stamps are conservation revenue stamps; 98 percent of the purchase price goes directly to help acquire and protect wetland habitat and purchase conservation easements. Since 1934, over $1.1 billion dollars have been raised from sales of Federal Duck Stamps conserving over 6 million acres of land within the National Wildlife Refuge System. Wetlands acquired with Duck Stamp dollars help purify water, aid in flood control, reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.
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Hunters have played an integral part in the effort to conserve America’s natural resources - best illustrated by the success of the Federal Duck Stamp Program. For nearly 90 years, by buying Duck Stamps, waterfowl hunters have supported the conservation of more than 6 million acres of strategic wetland habitat. Ninety-eight percent of the purchase price of the stamp goes directly to buy and lease wetland habitat on national wildlife refuges.
The Duck Stamp Program remains committed to this vital and productive partnership with the hunting community. Hunters should know that . . .
- If you hunt migratory waterfowl and you are 16 years of age or older, you are required to purchase and carry a current Federal Duck Stamp or E-Stamp. Federal Duck Stamps are valid from July 1 through the following June 30.
- The art featured on the Duck Stamp is chosen every year in the only federally regulated and run art contest
- Duck Stamps can be purchased at a variety of locations, and online through the E-Stamp Program.
- A current, signed Federal Duck Stamp or E-Stamp is good in any state you hunt. There is no need to buy additional Federal Duck Stamps for each state; however, you must have appropriate state licenses and stamps for each state in which you hunt.
- Sign the front of your Duck Stamp in order for it to be valid. Remember—only you can use your Federal Duck Stamp - wildlife law enforcement personnel will compare your stamp to your hunting license to make sure they are both yours.
- If you bought an E-Stamp, you must carry your 45-day receipt with you at all times while hunting. Once the receipt has expired, you must carry your current, signed Federal Duck Stamp. (Your store purchase/credit card receipt is not valid as a duck stamp)
- If you bought an E-Stamp and you have not received your physical Duck Stamp after a few weeks, contact Amplex at duckstamp@amplex.com or 800/852-4897. Do not contact the Federal Duck Stamp Office.
- If you lost your E-Stamp receipt, please contact the state agency from which you bought your E-Stamp. The Duck Stamp Office does not have any information about purchasers of E-Stamps.
- No refunds will be given for lost or destroyed Federal Duck Stamps.
- Don’t forget to buy a hunting license and any required state conservation stamps from the state fish and wildlife agency in every state where you will be hunting.
- A current Federal Duck Stamp also serves as a free admission into any national wildlife refuge that charges an entry fee.
- We strongly encourage all waterfowl hunters to visit our hunting page, where you will find useful information and links, from where you can buy a state hunting permit, to where you can go on the nearest national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge to hunt.
Thank you for your continued support in providing wetland habitat for our nation’s wildlife resources! Have a safe, enjoyable and successful hunting season.
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While waterfowl hunters 16 years of age or older are required to purchase them, anyone can contribute to conservation by buying Duck Stamps. In addition to serving as hunting license and conservation tool, a current Federal Duck Stamp is also a free pass into any national wildlife refuge that charges an entry fee. Because nearly all of the proceeds are used to conserve habitat for birds and other wildlife, birders, nature photographers and other outdoor enthusiasts buy Duck Stamps to help ensure that they can always see wildlife at their favorite outdoors spots.
Federal Duck Stamps are sold at many sporting goods stores and other retail locations - both large and small - that sell sporting and recreation equipment. You can also buy them at many national wildlife refuges, and online through Amplex. As an added convenience, especially for hunters, the E-Stamp program allows you to buy a Duck Stamp online and instantly obtain a printable receipt good for 45 days, within which time a physical Duck Stamp is mailed to you. You can also sell Federal Duck Stamps and Junior Duck Stamps at your location.
In addition to stamps and products sold by the Federal Duck Stamp Office, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service licenses reproduction of Duck Stamps and Junior Duck Stamps on items sold by licensed manufacturers.
