The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is commending Ducks Unlimited's "Double Up for the Ducks" campaign, which encourages waterfowl enthusiasts to purchase two federal duck stamps this hunting season.
"The Service certainly appreciates this effort being undertaken by Ducks Unlimited to further waterfowl and wetlands conservation across the country," said Service Director Dan Ashe. "The Duck Stamp program has been one of the most successful conservation programs in history and buying not one but two duck stamps is one of the best ways around to protect wildlife and
waterfowl habitat."
In a press release, the USFWS noted that the buying power of the stamp has diminished over the years due to inflation and soaring land prices. Since 1991, land prices have tripled from an average of $306 an acre to an average of $1,091 an acre.
"The federal duck stamp has been successfully conserving waterfowl habitat for 77 years," said DU Director of the Governmental Affairs Office Scott Sutherland said. "In order to ensure the stamp continues to have a successful conservation legacy, it is up to duck hunters and all those who enjoy wetlands and waterfowl to show their support for increasing the price of the duck stamp."
Ducks Unlimited supports legislation that would immediately increase the price of the stamp from $15 to $25. Since raising the price of the duck stamp will take an act of Congress, Ducks Unlimited launched the "Double Up for the Ducks" campaign to encourage waterfowl hunters to show their elected officials that they are willing to pay more for the stamp. The increased sales that will occur when hunters "double up" on duck stamps will help conserve more habitat and also show Congress that hunters are serious about this issue. Additionally, the federal duck stamp is not just an investment in conservation, but also an investment in our nation's hunting legacy. Acquiring land under the National Wildlife Refuge System also helps to expand
hunting opportunities and access.
To see U.S. Fish and Wildlife's press release on the "Double Up for the Ducks" campaign,
click here.