Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps, which we prefer to call Bird Conservation Stamps (Duck Stamps) are one of the best ways of creating and restoring habitat. 98 cents of every dollar goes straight to conservation funding making it the most cost-effective form of bird conservation.
- In 2007, approximately 1.6 million duck stamps were sold! At $15.00 each that means over $23 million that goes straight into protecting habitat for birds.
- Since 1991, there has not been any price increase on the Duck Stamp. This year there is a proposal to raise the price to $25.00, a notable increase but one that is important to increasing conservation.
- Some people might be discouraged to purchase the stamps but even if total sales decrease by say 10% (1.44 million stamps) the new price will raise over $35 million, a substantial increase in funds. But hopefully all birders will be inspired to purchase stamps.
- If there are 40 million birders in the U.S. and just half of these birders buy one stamp a year, that’s $490 million (98%) that would be used to purchase and protect land that birders enjoy.
Bird Conservation Stamps do more than protect waterfowl. Many species of birds benefit from the increase in habitat protection.
Do your part and buy a stamp if you haven’t yet. Or you can join The National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) and buy a stamp with your membership!
I’ll gladly pay it.
As a kid growing up in northern Wisconsin, I somehow never managed to connect conservation with my duck-and-deerhunting brother’s annual purchase of duck stamps. It seemed to be only hunters who bought them, so I assumed they had to do with permits or something. Now that I’m an adult I find myself explaining the duck stamp to people surprisingly often, as well as the seemingly ironic notion that hunters are highly invested in conservation. I definitely support the duck stamp at any rate, and hope folks will continue to support it at the higher one.
That was one thing I liked about Canada. If you want a hunting license, you must purchase a duck stamp. No ifs, ands or buts. Personally I’m always blown away by the art on the stamps. Almost makes me want to put my brushes away.
Patrick – definitely!!
Iris – Conducting an unscientific survey on an Illinois bird forum, we found that several people (of a really small sample) did not purchase duck stamps. The idea still seems new to many, but that will hopefully change over time. (Northern Wisconsin is awesome – we have many relatives there).
Lana – Veery is the Birdfreak member with the artistic talent; I have none whatsoever which is why I enjoy photography. Artists always blow me away with their talents!!