Duck stamp benefits wetland, waterfowl conservation
The new 2018-19 federal duck stamp goes on sale Friday, June 29. The stamps, which cost $25, are valid from July 1 through June 30, 2019. Duck stamps help raise money to purchase and protect wetlands for ducks, geese and other wildlife species. “Duck stamps are one of the traditional ways hunters and others invest in wetland and waterfowl conservation,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Dale Hall. “We encourage everyone, whether they hunt waterfowl or not, to buy one or more duck stamps to help conserve our precious wetland resources. The federal duck stamp is a powerful tool for conservation in the United States. Every year the program raises more than $38 million used to purchase and protect wetlands in the National Wildlife Refuge System. These habitats benefit waterfowl and numerous other species of wildlife. It’s an incredibly successful program we should support and be proud of.” Bob Hautman, an artist from Delano, Minnesota, created the artwork for the 2018-19 stamp.
His painting features a pair of mallards. This is Hautman’s third federal duck stamp contest win. His art previously appeared on the 1997-1998 and 2001-2002 federal duck stamps. The stamp, also known as the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, dates back to 1934. Since then, the program has raised more than $1 billion to help acquire and protect more than 6 million acres of habitat in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Waterfowl hunters age 16 and older must purchase and carry a duck stamp while hunting. A duck stamp also provides free admission to national wildlife refuges (NWRs) that are open to the public. Anyone may purchase duck stamps at post offices nationwide and at many NWRs and sporting goods stores. Electronic versions of the duck stamp can also be purchased online. Visit https://www.fws.gov/birds/news/180607-First-Day-of-Sale-promo.php for more information. —courtesy Ducks Unlimited
