What is a Federal Duck Stamp?
The Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, widely known as the Federal Duck Stamp, is one of America's earliest and most successful conservation programs. Waterfowl hunters age 16 and older are required to purchase a current stamp before hunting migratory waterfowl, but anyone can buy one to support conservation.
Federal Duck Stamps are produced annually by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. By law, 98 percent of the purchase price goes to the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, where it supports the protection of wetlands and associated migratory bird habitat through land purchases, leases and conservation easements.
Since 1934, Duck Stamp sales have generated more than $1.3 billion and helped conserve more than 6 million acres of habitat. That makes each purchase more than a hunting requirement. It is a direct investment in places waterfowl and people depend on.
Duck Stamp dollars at work
Lands purchased with Duck Stamp dollars become part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, a network of lands and waters set aside for wildlife conservation. Duck Stamp funds have helped establish or expand more than 300 national wildlife refuges, and every state has benefited from at least one refuge.
These places provide habitat for waterfowl and hundreds of other wildlife species. They also create opportunities for people to hunt, fish, watch birds, hike, paddle and photograph wildlife. A current Federal Duck Stamp provides free admission to national wildlife refuges that charge an entry fee.
Duck Stamp dollars also protect small wetlands and surrounding grasslands in the Prairie Pothole Region through Waterfowl Production Areas and long-term conservation easements. These agreements can preserve private ownership and working-land values while protecting important breeding and nesting habitat for generations.
A conservation idea born during the Dust Bowl
The Federal Duck Stamp grew from a crisis. During the Dust Bowl era, severe drought and widespread habitat loss devastated wetlands and waterfowl populations. The Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929 allowed the federal government to acquire and protect waterfowl habitat, but it did not provide a permanent source of funding.
Hunters and conservation allies called on Congress to act. On March 16, 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act. The law required waterfowl hunters to purchase an annual stamp, creating a dependable source of money for habitat conservation.
The idea was remarkable for its time. Hunters supported an annual fee that would be invested in the habitat required to sustain the resource and the hunting tradition. Revenue from stamp sales was placed in the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, giving conservation leaders the ability to protect strategically important habitat year after year.
Ding Darling and the first Duck Stamp
Jay Norwood 'Ding' Darling was a nationally known editorial cartoonist, hunter and conservation pioneer. In 1934, Roosevelt appointed Darling to lead the Bureau of Biological Survey, which later became the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Darling helped advance the new conservation program and created the artwork used for the first Federal Duck Stamp.
His drawing of mallards became the beginning of an annual tradition that has paired conservation funding with some of the nation's finest wildlife art. Darling's influence extended well beyond the stamp. During his short tenure in federal service, he helped create new national wildlife refuges and protect habitat across the country.
Explore Duck Stamp Art and History
How the Duck Stamp law has evolved
Congress has updated the program several times while preserving its original conservation purpose. In 1976, the law was renamed the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act to recognize the stamp's direct contribution to habitat protection.
The price increased to $25 following bipartisan legislation approved in 2014, restoring some of the conservation buying power lost as land values rose. Ducks Unlimited supported that effort and the hunters who again stepped forward to invest in waterfowl habitat.
The Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 expanded the use of electronic Federal Duck Stamps. Hunters can now use an e-stamp certification for the full waterfowl hunting season instead of only 45 days after purchase. A physical stamp is still mailed to purchasers according to the current USFWS fulfillment process.
The Duck Stamp and hunting
Hunters have played a central role in conserving America's wildlife and natural resources, and the Federal Duck Stamp is one of the clearest examples. Migratory bird hunters age 16 and older must possess a current, signed Federal Duck Stamp in addition to the licenses and permits required by their state.
The program also helps maintain access. Hunting is available on Waterfowl Production Areas and on many national wildlife refuges. Many locations offer special opportunities for youth and hunters with disabilities. Regulations vary, so hunters should always check the current requirements for the state and area where they plan to hunt.
Ducks Unlimited and the Federal Duck Stamp
The Federal Duck Stamp supports Ducks Unlimited's mission to conserve wetlands and associated habitats for waterfowl, wildlife and people. Although it is a federal program, the habitat it protects advances many of the same conservation goals DU works toward every day.
DU works with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other partners on wetland restoration, public-land habitat projects and conservation easements. DU also supports funding and policies that help the National Wildlife Refuge System manage habitat, improve infrastructure and expand public access to outdoor recreation.
Through the Small Wetlands Acquisition Program, Duck Stamp dollars help secure long-term conservation easements from willing landowners. These efforts protect wetlands and grasslands on private working lands while providing benefits that reach far beyond waterfowl.
You do not have to hunt to make an impact
Anyone can buy a Federal Duck Stamp. Birders, photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, stamp collectors and other conservationists have long supported the program because the habitat it protects benefits far more than ducks and geese.
Some people purchase an extra stamp each year as a direct contribution to habitat conservation or give one as a gift. One stamp can fulfill a hunting requirement. A second can be a simple way to put more conservation on the ground.
Junior Duck Stamp Program
Students nationwide compete each year for a spot on the Junior Duck Stamp — read the full program details on the Duck Stamp Art and Contest page.
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Federal Duck Stamp frequently asked questions
Who is required to buy a Federal Duck Stamp?
Migratory bird hunters age 16 and older must possess a current Federal Duck Stamp along with any required state licenses and permits. Check federal, state and local regulations before hunting.
Can someone who does not hunt buy a Duck Stamp?
Yes. Anyone can purchase a Federal Duck Stamp to support habitat conservation, collect the annual artwork, give it as a gift or use it for admission to national wildlife refuges that charge an entry fee.
Where does the money go?
By law, 98 percent of the purchase price is deposited into the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund and used to protect wetlands and associated migratory bird habitat through purchases, leases and conservation easements.
Does a Duck Stamp support only ducks?
No. Protected wetlands and surrounding uplands support waterfowl, other migratory birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and many threatened or endangered species. These lands also provide outdoor recreation and other public benefits.
Where can I buy one?
Federal Duck Stamps are available through approved online and in-person sellers. Visit the DU buying guide for current purchase links, e-stamp details and physical stamp information.
