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                -  Buy a Duck Stamp or E-Stamp

# Buy a Duck Stamp or E-Stamp

### **12/22/2023 Statement on Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 **

On December 19, 2023, President Biden signed into law the Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023. This Act modifies provisions regarding the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly referred to as the *Duck Stamp*, now allowing an individual to carry an electronic stamp for the entire waterfowl hunting season. 

**This law will not affect the current 2023-2024 hunting season**. Since the 2023-2024 hunting season began on September 1, 2023, we will continue to implement the current regulations. 

We are currently working to determine how this will impact our current E-Stamp partnerships and develop an implementation plan and schedule. 

Migratory bird hunters at or over the age of 16 must possess a current signed Federal Duck Stamp, along with state licenses and permits, to hunt legally. An E-stamp allows someone to purchase a stamp online and immediately use the certification to legally hunt for 45-days while the physical stamp is mailed to them.

Hunters have played an integral part in conserving America’s wildlife and habitat - best illustrated by the success of the Federal Duck Stamp Program. For nearly 90 years, by buying Duck Stamps, waterfowl hunters and others have supported the conservation of more than 6 million acres of wetland habitat. We appreciate the continued support for the Duck Stamp and will work to create a plan for implementing the Duck Stamp Modernization Act. 

Image Details

## Buy a Duck Stamp or E-Stamp

Purchasing Federal Duck Stamps is easy! We offer a variety of methods for you to purchase the annual stamp – whether you need one for migratory bird hunting, admittance to a National Wildlife Refuge, as part of your stamp or art collection, to showcase the wildlife species, or because you want an easy and effective way to support habitat conservation.

The annual Federal Duck Stamp goes on sale at the end of June. A “First Day of Issue” event is often held to celebrate the artists, purchasers, and conservation partners.

The date of the First Day of Issue for the 2024-2025 Duck Stamp and Junior Duck Stamp is tentatively scheduled for 10 am on June 28, 2024 in Hannover, MD. Please check back for more details. 

## Who Needs It?

Anyone can contribute to wildlife habitat conservation by purchasing a Federal Duck Stamp. Since quality wetland habitats provide habitat for a myriad of species – including threatened and endangered plants and animals – as well as provide clean water, aid in flood control, and reduce the effects of soil erosion and sedimentation a current Federal Duck Stamp purchase allows you to be an active conservationist. Healthy habitats also enhance outdoor recreation opportunities which can provide an economic incentive to local communities.

Migratory Bird Hunters (primarily duck and goose hunters) at or over the age of 16 must possess a current signed Federal Duck Stamp, along with state licenses and permits, to hunt legally. An E-stamp allows you to purchase a stamp online and immediately use the certification to legally hunt for 45-days while your physical stamp is mailed to you.

The Service also depends on the U.S. Postal Service and our consignees to sell physical stamps at their locations or online through our consignment program.

Federal Duck Stamps are printed in two formats on pressure-sensitive adhesive paper. The most common format is the pane of 1 dollar bill-sized sheetlet which features a detachable stamp on a carrier with additional artwork and information. A smaller number of sheets of 20 stamps are printed as well – these are primarily purchased by those wanting “just the stamp” and are harder to acquire. Stamp and wildlife art collectors add to their valuable collections and support conservation at the same time.  As the longest running, single-themed stamp in the world, Federal Duck Stamps are first and foremost miniature works of art.  The design itself is chosen each year in the only open juried art competition sponsored by the federal government.  Artists can also become contributors to conservation through this unique opportunity.

## Process

                          - You can purchase your stamp either online or in person
                          - To purchase in person, check with your local post office, sporting goods or outdoor recreation stores, or any  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 see if they have them in stock 
                          - If you need a federal duck stamp temporary certificate IMMEDIATELY for migratory bird hunting you MUST purchase an “E-Stamp” from one of the States below   *Please note: you may purchase an E-Stamp from any state, even though you are not a resident of that state
                          - If you do not need an E-Stamp and can wait 10-20 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 the physical stamp in hand to be legal for hunting; a sales receipt from Amplex or the Postal Store is not legal to hunt with 
                          - Sign your stamp if you use it for hunting or entry into a USFWS fee area 
                          - Share with your friends and family that you support wildlife habitat conservation 
                          - Visit a National Wildlife Refuge in your area and see your Duck Stamp Dollars at work 

## Process to Purchase E-Stamps

***Please note: you do not need to purchase a hunting license or be a migratory bird hunter to purchase an E-stamp.  You may purchase an E-Stamp from any state without being a resident of that state. For example, you can purchase a stamp from any of the states below, even though you live in Oregon. **

To purchase from a state website below: 
                          - Click on any state below 
                          - Create an account or log in if you are already enrolled with that state  *Please note: enrollment and purchase processes vary - please follow the prompts and instructions provided on the state website; please ensure you have included your current full mailing address where required 
                          - Once you have your account, you can purchase a Federal Duck Stamp through the state’s website. Convenience fees will be added to your bill.   

## States that sell E-Stamps

Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming

## Get Started

Purchase from one of the above state websites if you need a federal duck stamp temporary certificate immediately. It is good for migratory bird hunting for up to 45 days. The physical stamp, good through June 30, should arrive at your specified mailing address within 10-15 days of your purchase. 

**NOTE:**  **If you have purchased an e-stamp and the physical stamp has not arrived within 30 days from when purchased, you must follow up and contact the distributor directly to have it traced and to receive your physical stamp (duckstamp@amplex.com or 1-800-852-4897).**  Often a current, complete mailing address has been incorrectly entered.   

Amplex

US Postal Service Postal Store

## Contact

**Suzanne Fellows, Duck Stamp Program Manager**Migratory Bird Program
                                - Additional Roles:  Duck Stamp Sales, E-stamp Information for State Wildlife Agencies, Junior Duck Stamp Program, Duck Stamp and Junior Duck Stamp Events, Art Contest
                                - Expertise:  Duck Stamps, Junior Duck Stamps

Contact Duck Stamp Program Manager

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