Duck stamps are about to go digital. There's currently a bill waiting in the U.S. Senate that would OK online sales of federal duck stamps in all 50 states. Right now, eight states are running a trial program that allows hunters to buy their stamp online. The physical stamp gets mailed to them after 45 days. Since 1934, the year the first duck stamp was issued, the program has raised $800 million dollars that's been used to conserve 5.3 million acres of wetlands – that's an area larger than the state of Connecticut. Duck stamps (which cost $15) raise about $25 million each year. Hopefully, this online program will allow even more hunters and conservationists to buy the stamp. To celebrate the success of the duck stamp, and it's 75th anniversary, our friends at Ducks Unlimited have sent us a collection of the 35 best duck stamp paintings. Pictured: the 2012-2013 stamp by Joseph Hautman <strong>2010-2011, American Wigeon</strong> By: Robert Bealle <strong>2009-2010, Long-tailed Duck</strong> By: Joshua Spies <strong>2008-2009 (75th Anniversary Stamp), Northern Pintails</strong> By: Joseph Hautman <strong>2006-2007, Ross' Goose</strong> By: Sherrie Russell Meline <strong>2005-2006, Hooded Mergansers</strong> By: Mark Anderson <strong>2004-2005, Redheads</strong> By: Scot Storm <strong>2003-2004, Snow Geese</strong> By: Ron Louque <strong>2000-2001, Mottled Duck</strong> By: Adam Grimm <strong>1999-2000, Greater Scaup</strong> By: James Hautman <strong>1995-1996, Mallards</strong> By: James Hautman <strong>1994-1995, Red-breasted Mergansers</strong> By: Neal R. Anderson <strong>1991-1992, King Eiders</strong> By: Nancy Howe <strong>1988-1989, Snow Goose</strong> By: Daniel Smith <strong>1986-1987, Fulvous Whistling Duck</strong> By: Burton E. Moore <strong>1982-1983, Canvasbacks</strong> By: David A. Maass <strong>1981-1982, Ruddy Ducks</strong> By: John S. Wilson <strong>1980-1981, Mallards</strong> By: Richard Plasschaert <strong>1975-1976, Canvasbacks and Decoy</strong> By: James P. Fisher <strong>1974-1975, Wood Ducks</strong> By: David A. Maass <strong>1972-1973, Emperor Geese</strong> By: Arthur M. Cook <strong>1967-1968, Oldsquaw (Long-tailed) Ducks</strong> By: Leslie C. Kouba <strong>1963-1964, Brant</strong> By: Edward J. Bierly <strong>1962-1963, Northern Pintails</strong> By: Edward A. Morris <strong>1961-1962, Mallards</strong> By: Edward A. Morris <strong>1959-1960, Mallard</strong> By: Maynard Reece <strong>1955-1956, Blue Geese</strong> By: Stanley Stearns <strong>1953-1954, Blue-winged Teal</strong> By: Clayton B. Seagears <strong>1950-1951, Trumpeter Swans</strong> By: Walter A. Weber <strong>1946-1947, Redheads</strong> By: Robert W. Hines <strong>1945-1946, Northern Shovelers</strong> By: Owen J. Gromme <strong>1939-1940, Green-winged Teal</strong> By: Lynn B. Hunt <strong>1936-1937, Canada Geese</strong> By: Richard E. Bishop <strong>1934-1935, Mallards</strong> By: Jay N. "Ding" Darling <strong>1935-1936, Canvasbacks</strong> By: Frank W. Benson
The duck stamp is going digital. As a bill that would allow the online sale of the federal duck stamp works it’s way through congress, we take a look back at the 35 coolest stamps since 1934.
