25 May 2020

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has revised regulations governing the annual Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Contest, also known as the Federal Duck Stamp Contest. Beginning in 2020, the Contest will include a permanent theme of “celebrating our waterfowl hunting heritage,” and it will be mandatory that each entry include an appropriate waterfowl hunting scene and/or accessory. Changes to design elements and judging requirements begin with the 2020 Contest.

Read the Final Rule.

Comments were received from twenty-seven organizations, including three of the Flyway Councils (Central, Atlantic, Pacific), The Trumpeter Swan Society, the American Birding Association, Audubon societies, ornithological societies, and National Wildlife Refuge Friends groups. Hunters, birders, scientists, artists, Stamp and art collectors, and many concerned with increasing land conservation submitted statements. Comments included concerns that sales of the Stamp would be hurt rather than encouraged, and that adding a mandatory hunting element would discourage purchases from non-hunters. Others cited that the proposal would have imposed restrictions on artists and the design of the artwork, would limit other artists or experts from serving as judges, and reduce the number of entries. Comments in support of the proposed rule stated that it was important and long overdue to recognize hunters’ contributions to conservation and the waterfowl hunting heritage.

While we are disappointed by this decision, we extend many thanks to all of you who participated by submitting comments on the proposed rule.

We greatly appreciate the unwavering support of waterfowl and other hunters for the Stamp. Purchases from hunters have provided the greatest amount of dollars towards acquisition of wetlands in America. We also wish to acknowledge and applaud the diverse group of supporters, who, in addition to hunters, purchase the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp each year.

However, the number of stamps purchased continues to decline.  By buying a Stamp, you contribute to conservation. Some 1.5 million stamps are sold each year, and as of 2019, Federal Duck Stamps generated more than $1.1 billion for the preservation of more than 6 million acres of waterfowl habitat in the United States. A current Federal Duck Stamp is also a free pass into any National Wildlife Refuge that otherwise charges an entry fee.

Please continue your support of this program by purchasing your 2020-2021 Stamp, starting June 26.