The 2021-2022 Federal Duck Stamp and Junior Duck Stamp are now on sale.

The Stamp is effective from July 1 through June 30, 2022.

The Lesser Scaup drake painted by artist Richard Clifton of Milton, Delaware was selected as the winning entry of the Federal Duck Stamp Contest. A pair of Hooded Mergansers painted by Margaret McMullen, of Kansas was the winning entry of the Junior Duck Stamp Contest. 

“Purchasing Federal Duck Stamps is a great way to support bird habitat conservation and is one of the most successful conservation tools in our toolbox. Of every dollar spent on a duck stamp, 98 cents of the purchase goes directly to acquiring and protecting waterfowl habitat,” said Martha Williams, Service Principal Deputy Director. “First Day of Sale is also our opportunity to celebrate and congratulate the youth artists who lend their talents to the Junior Duck Stamp.”

The Federal Duck Stamp program began during the era of the Depression and Dust Bowl as a way to curb the widespread destruction of wetland habitats that were vital to the survival of America’s waterfowl.

In 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act (or “Duck Stamp Act”). The Duck Stamp Act requires anyone 16 or older to purchase a Federal Duck Stamp for waterfowl hunting. However, you don’t have to be a waterfowl hunter to purchase a Federal Duck Stamp. Anyone who values wildlife and the habitats they depend on can help conserve habitat by purchasing a Federal Duck Stamp. This includes members of Refuge Friends groups, birders, wildlife photographers, and others.

Artists and stamp collectors have also taken great interest in the Federal Duck Stamp. In 1949, the first Federal Duck Stamp art contest was held. Today, 72 years later, the tradition of hosting a nationwide contest, open to anyone and sponsored by the U.S. government, continues. A Junior Duck Stamp Program was initiated in 1989 to encourage education and nationwide participation by students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

And in addition to the waterfowl hunting license, conservation benefits, appeal to collectors and artists, the current Federal Duck Stamp also grants you free entrance into any National Wildlife Refuge that charges an entry fee.

The theme of this year’s Federal Duck Stamp is “Celebrating our Waterfowl Hunting Heritage.” An image of a drake Lesser Scaup with a lanyard and duck calls won the 2020 contest. The 2021 contest regulations with the mandatory inclusion of hunting references remains in effect. U.S. FWS has proposed a new rule scrapping the hunting requirement that would be applicable beginning with the 2022 contest.

Given the mandatory licensing requirement for waterfowl hunters over the age of 16, waterfowl hunters have been the primary group responsible for raising over $1.1 billion to conserve wildlife and healthy wetland habitats within the National Wildlife Refuge System.

This year’s Junior Stamp features a Hooded Merganser pair painted by Margaret McMullen. This $5 stamp is sold to raise awareness and funds for the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program. This program raises awareness of wildlife and conservation across the U.S. and its territories.  

Federal Duck Stamps are available online, at National Wildlife Refuges, some post offices, and in many sporting goods and large-scale retail stores that sell hunting and fishing licenses and equipment.

The Federal Duck Stamp costs $25, and the Junior Duck Stamp is $5.

The 2021 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest to select the 2022-2023 stamp will be held September 24 and 25.