Federal Duck Stamp facts for kids

The Federal Duck Stamp, also known as the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, is a special sticker from the United States government. Hunters who want to hunt migratory birds like ducks and geese must buy this stamp. It also lets people enter National Wildlife Refuges that usually charge an entry fee.

Many people collect these stamps because they are unique. Most importantly, 98% of the money from each stamp sale helps protect wetlands. Wetlands are important watery areas where birds and other wildlife live. This money goes into a special fund called the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund.

Back in 1929, President Herbert Hoover signed a law to buy and protect wetlands for waterfowl (water birds). But there wasn't a steady way to pay for it. So, in 1934, President Roosevelt signed the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act, which became known as the Duck Stamp Act. This law created the Federal Duck Stamp. Many states also have their own duck stamps.

When Are Duck Stamps Issued?

Duck stamps come out once a year. Most hunters need to buy both a federal and a state stamp before they can hunt waterfowl. Hunting seasons usually start in September or October. So, hunters need their stamps before then. The federal stamp and many state stamps are available by July. Some come out on January 1st, and a few appear just before hunting season.

How Much Do Duck Stamps Cost?

The first federal duck stamp in 1934 cost $1. Over the years, the price slowly went up. In 2015, the price became $25. For every $15 stamp sold, $14.70 goes directly to buying and protecting wetlands. Only 30 cents covers other costs.

Most state duck stamps cost around $5. The money from state stamps also helps restore and protect wetlands. These funds are used for local projects. Some states even make special limited edition stamps for collectors.

What Do Duck Stamps Look Like?

Today, federal stamps come in sheets of 20. They used to be in sheets of 28, then 30, before changing to 20 in 2000. Since 1998, you can also get a single self-adhesive stamp. This sticker is about the size of a dollar bill. Most states follow a similar design. Many states use sheets of 10 stamps, which are easier to handle.

Different Kinds of Duck Stamps

About 10 states offer two types of stamps. One type is for collectors, and the other is for hunters. Collector stamps usually come in sheets without special tabs. Hunter stamps often have tabs where hunters can write their name and address. Dealers usually tell you if a stamp is a collector or hunter type. There are even special albums to keep both kinds of stamps.

The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program is a special program for students. It teaches kids from kindergarten to high school about protecting wetlands and wildlife. It also teaches them about wildlife art and stamp collecting. All the money from these stamps helps fund conservation education.

Some states also issue "Governor's editions" of stamps. These are printed in small numbers, often fewer than 1,000. They cost more, around $50, and have the state governor's name printed on them. Governors might even sign a few of these stamps. These signed stamps are very rare and valuable. While these stamps are valid for hunting, collectors usually don't use them. Using them would damage the stamp and lower its value.

Artist signed stamps are regular duck stamps signed by the artist who created the artwork. These are popular with collectors. Stamps signed by artists who are no longer alive are especially valuable. Remarqued stamps are even more special. The artist draws or paints a small, unique picture directly on the stamp. This makes each stamp truly one-of-a-kind. These drawings often feature a dog, a decoy, a lighthouse, or another duck.

Some older duck stamps are called printed text stamps. These stamps only have writing and no picture of a duck. They were used for duck hunting before pictorial stamps became common. Some American Indian reservations and tribes also issue their own waterfowl hunting stamps. These stamps let people hunt on that reservation if they also have a federal stamp. These reservation stamps are becoming popular with collectors.

Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest

The very first Federal Duck Stamp, from 1934, was designed by Jay "Ding" Darling. It showed two mallard ducks landing on a marsh pond. Later, other famous wildlife artists were asked to create designs.

In 1949, the contest became open to any U.S. artist. Sixty-five artists entered the first public contest. The number of entries grew to over 2,000 by 1981! One artist, Maynard Reece, has won the contest five times, which is a record. This art competition is the only one of its kind sponsored by the U.S. government.

A group of experts in art, waterfowl, and stamps judges the competition. Winners don't get paid for their art, but they do receive a sheet of stamps with their design. Winning artists can also sell prints of their designs. These prints are popular with hunters, conservationists, and art collectors.

Artists who want to enter the contest get the rules each spring. They can use any art materials they like. The designs can be black-and-white or full color. They must be 10 inches wide by 7 inches high.

Federal Duck Stamp Artists and Birds

Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program

History of the Program

In 1989, a program called the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program began. It teaches students from kindergarten to high school about wetlands and waterfowl conservation. Students learn about science and wildlife. Then, they create an art design for a Junior Duck Stamp. This program helps new generations understand why it's important to protect wetlands and water birds.

The program started as a test in California in 1990. Three thousand students participated. More states joined in the following years. In 1993, the first national competition was held. Judges chose one design to become the first Federal Junior Duck Stamp. Jason Parsons from Illinois won with his design, "Ruffling Redhead." These junior stamps sold for $5 each.

In 1994, a law was passed to make the Junior Duck Stamp official. This law said that money from selling the stamps would support conservation education. It would also provide awards and scholarships for students. By 2000, the program grew to include all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

Today, over 27,000 students across the U.S. participate. The program is successful because many groups work together. These include government agencies, non-profit groups, businesses, and volunteers. They all help recognize students and teachers for their conservation efforts.

The Junior Duck Stamp Contest

The Junior Duck Stamp program helps students connect with nature. It teaches them about wetlands and waterfowl conservation. Students use what they learn to create art for the contest.

The contest has become very popular. Students learn about animal anatomy and environmental science. They also get to show their knowledge and artistic talent.

The contest starts each spring. Students submit their artwork to their state or territory contest. They are judged in four groups based on their grade level. From these, a "Best of Show" is chosen. This winning design then goes to the national Junior Duck Stamp Contest. Students are also encouraged to include a conservation message with their art. This message explains what they learned about wetlands or conservation.

The first-place design from the national contest is used for the Junior Duck Stamp the next year. These stamps are sold for $5 each. The money helps fund conservation education. It also provides awards and scholarships for students, teachers, and schools in the program.

Where Are Duck Stamps Issued?

Today, the United States government and all state governments issue duck stamps. Many other countries also have their own duck stamps. These include Canada, Australia, Mexico, Russia, and the United Kingdom.

Government departments that focus on conservation and wildlife usually issue these stamps. The programs must be created by law to be official. Other groups, like Ducks Unlimited, also create labels with ducks on them. These are called "society stamps." They are not official government stamps, but they are still very collectible. The money raised by these groups also helps with waterfowl and conservation efforts. These organizations do a great job helping conservation.

Images for kids

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  The first United States duck stamp, issued August 14, 1934