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One of the easiest ways that anyone can support bird habitat conservation is by buying Federal Duck Stamps - among the most successful conservation tools ever created to protect habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Federal Duck Stamps are conservation revenue stamps; 98 percent of the purchase price goes directly to help acquire and protect wetland habitat and purchase conservation easements. Since 1934, over $1.1 billion dollars have been raised from sales of Federal Duck Stamps conserving over 6 million acres of land within the National Wildlife Refuge System. Wetlands acquired with Duck Stamp dollars help purify water, aid in flood control, reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.
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Hunters have played an integral part in the effort to conserve America’s natural resources - best illustrated by the success of the Federal Duck Stamp Program. For nearly 90 years, by buying Duck Stamps, waterfowl hunters have supported the conservation of more than 6 million acres of strategic wetland habitat. Ninety-eight percent of the purchase price of the stamp goes directly to buy and lease wetland habitat on national wildlife refuges.
The Duck Stamp Program remains committed to this vital and productive partnership with the hunting community. Hunters should know that . . .
- If you hunt migratory waterfowl and you are 16 years of age or older, you are required to purchase and carry a current Federal Duck Stamp or E-Stamp. Federal Duck Stamps are valid from July 1 through the following June 30.
- The art featured on the Duck Stamp is chosen every year in the only federally regulated and run art contest
- Duck Stamps can be purchased at a variety of locations, and online through the E-Stamp Program.
- A traditional, physical Federal Duck Stamp can be purchased at most U.S. Post Offices, a variety of sporting goods and outdoor recreation stores, some national wildlife refuges, and you can also order them online through Amplex. Be sure to sign your stamp if you use it for hunting or would like to visit a National Wildlife Refuge for free. Visiting a National Wildlife Refuge in your area is a great way to see your Duck Stamp Dollars at work!
- A current, signed Federal Duck Stamp or E-Stamp is good in any state you hunt. There is no need to buy additional Federal Duck Stamps for each state; however, you must have appropriate state licenses and stamps for each state in which you hunt.
- Remember—only you can use your Federal Duck Stamp - wildlife law enforcement personnel will compare your stamp to your hunting license to make sure they are both yours.
- You can also purchase an E-Stamp online. If you need a federal duck stamp temporary certificate IMMEDIATELY for migratory bird hunting you MUST purchase an E-Stamp from one of the 30 States listed. *Please note: you may purchase an E-Stamp from any state, even though you are not a resident of that state. A physical Federal Duck Stamp will be mailed to each E-stamp purchaser between March 10 – June 30.
- If you do not need an E-Stamp and can wait 5-10 days for your stamp to arrive in the mail, you can purchase hunting and collectible Federal Duck Stamps and other stamp products by calling or going online to Amplex or the Postal Store. *Please note: you must have a signed physical stamp or a valid E-stamp in hand to be legal for hunting; a sales receipt is not the same as an E-stamp and is not legal to hunt with.
- No refunds will be given for lost or destroyed Federal Duck Stamps.
- Don’t forget to buy a hunting license and any required state conservation stamps from the state fish and wildlife agency in every state where you will be hunting.
- We strongly encourage all waterfowl hunters to visit our hunting page, where you will find useful information and links, from where you can buy a state hunting permit, to where you can go on the nearest national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge to hunt.
Thank you for your continued support in providing wetland habitat for our nation’s wildlife resources! Have a safe, enjoyable and successful hunting season.
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While waterfowl hunters 16 years of age or older are required to purchase them, anyone can contribute to conservation by buying Duck Stamps. In addition to serving as hunting license and conservation tool, a current Federal Duck Stamp is also a free pass into any national wildlife refuge that charges an entry fee. Because nearly all of the proceeds are used to conserve habitat for birds and other wildlife, birders, nature photographers and other outdoor enthusiasts buy Duck Stamps to help ensure that they can always see wildlife at their favorite outdoors spots.
Federal Duck Stamps are sold at many sporting goods stores and other retail locations - both large and small - that sell sporting and recreation equipment. You can also buy them at many national wildlife refuges, and online through Amplex. As an added convenience, especially for hunters, the E-Stamp program allows you to buy a Duck Stamp online and instantly obtain a printable receipt good for 45 days, within which time a physical Duck Stamp is mailed to you. You can also sell Federal Duck Stamps and Junior Duck Stamps at your location.
In addition to stamps and products sold by the Federal Duck Stamp Office, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service licenses reproduction of Duck Stamps and Junior Duck Stamps on items sold by licensed manufacturers.
