Ducks Unlimited and Partners Celebrate 2025-2026 Federal Duck Stamp First Day of Sale

STUTTGART, Ark. – June 27, 2025 – National leaders from Ducks Unlimited (DU), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bass Pro Shops, U.S. Postal Service and other partners hosted a live event Friday, June 27, at Mack’s Prairie Wings in Stuttgart, Arkansas, celebrating the first day of sale for the 2025-2026 Federal Duck Stamp.

The Federal Duck Stamp, which costs $25 and raises about $40 million for conservation yearly, is valid from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Purchased by millions of waterfowl hunters, wildlife enthusiasts and stamp collectors every year, duck stamps provide critical funding to purchase and protect wetlands and associated habitat for ducks, geese and other wildlife species.

“Federal Duck Stamps are one of the best ways to invest in conservation, and hunters are a big part in that,” said DU Chief Conservation Officer Dr. Karen Waldrop. “But whether you’re an avid waterfowler, a frequent visitor of America’s National Wildlife Refuges, a collector or simply someone with an appreciation for our natural places, we all have a great reason to buy a stamp. With over 1.2 billion dollars raised for conservation since 1934, the impact of stamp sales goes far beyond just waterfowl habitat. Duck Stamps are good not only for birds, but for the thousands of other species that rely on wetlands, and the communities that benefit from groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration and flood protection. We encourage everyone to purchase at least one Duck Stamp and help us preserve our precious wetland resources.”

The Federal Duck Stamp program raises millions of dollars to purchase and protect wetland habitat in the National Wildlife Refuge System, benefiting waterfowl and hundreds of additional wildlife species. Of every dollar spent on a duck stamp, 98 cents of each purchase goes directly to acquiring and protecting waterfowl habitat.

The 2025-2026 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Duck Stamp, features Spectacled Eiders by South Dakota artist Adam Grimm. This is the third time Grimm’s artwork has been chosen for a Federal Duck Stamp.

The 2025-2026 Junior Duck Stamp, which also went on sale today, features a painting of a Northern Shoveler by 18-year-old Catheryn Liang. More than 3,000 junior duck stamps are sold annually for $5 each to help promote conservation education through art.

Since the Federal Duck Stamp was created in 1934, sales have raised more than $1.2 billion, conserving more than 6 million acres of habitat for birds and wildlife and providing hunting and other recreational opportunities at national wildlife refuges.

Waterfowl hunters 16 and older are required to purchase and carry a duck stamp while hunting. A duck stamp also provides free admission to national wildlife refuges open to the public. Duck stamps are sold nationwide at post offices, national wildlife refuges, and sporting goods stores. You can also purchase electronic versions of the duck stamp online. Click here for more information.

DU is conducting its most ambitious conservation campaign in history on behalf of North America’s wetlands and waterfowl. The international fundraising campaign, Conservation for a Continent, aims to raise $3 billion by 2026 to provide cleaner water for communities and wildlife. One of the largest fundraising efforts launched in North America is devoted to landscape conservation and the future of our outdoor heritage.

About Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 19 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation For A Continent comprehensive campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org.

Media Contact:
Gregg Powers
901-758-3374
gpowers@ducks.org