Duck Stamps

Purpose of Federal Duck Stamp

The Federal Duck Stamp program (called the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act) was first created by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1934. Its purpose was to raise funds in order to conserve the natural habitat of wildlife. Every dollar from stamp sales (minus the fees associated with printing the stamp) was given to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wildlife Refuge System, who used the money to purchase wetland habitats. As of today, over 5 million acres have been purchased through this program and is one of the most successful conservations programs ever created.

The stamps themselves were sold to hunters and tourists of the natural habitats, as well as a collectors of these beautiful masterpieces. Each stamp cost $1 in 1934 and now costs approximately $5. This program allowed the regular citizen to contribute his or her own share to the conservation of migratory birds. The program has raised approximately $500 million dollars since its inception.

Here's the current statistics for how much money has been raised.