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
2010-2011, American Wigeon By: Robert Bealle2009-2010, Long-tailed Duck By: Joshua Spies2008-2009 (75th Anniversary Stamp), Northern Pintails By: Joseph Hautman2006-2007, Ross’ Goose By: Sherrie Russell Meline2005-2006, Hooded Mergansers By: Mark Anderson2004-2005, Redheads By: Scot Storm2003-2004, Snow Geese By: Ron Louque2000-2001, Mottled Duck By: Adam Grimm1999-2000, Greater Scaup By: James Hautman1995-1996, Mallards By: James Hautman1994-1995, Red-breasted Mergansers By: Neal R. Anderson1991-1992, King Eiders By: Nancy Howe1988-1989, Snow Goose By: Daniel Smith1986-1987, Fulvous Whistling Duck By: Burton E. Moore1982-1983, Canvasbacks By: David A. Maass1981-1982, Ruddy Ducks By: John S. Wilson1980-1981, Mallards By: Richard Plasschaert1975-1976, Canvasbacks and Decoy By: James P. Fisher1974-1975, Wood Ducks By: David A. Maass1972-1973, Emperor Geese By: Arthur M. Cook1967-1968, Oldsquaw (Long-tailed) Ducks By: Leslie C. Kouba1963-1964, Brant By: Edward J. Bierly1962-1963, Northern Pintails By: Edward A. Morris1961-1962, Mallards By: Edward A. Morris1959-1960, Mallard By: Maynard Reece1955-1956, Blue Geese By: Stanley Stearns1953-1954, Blue-winged Teal By: Clayton B. Seagears1950-1951, Trumpeter Swans By: Walter A. Weber1946-1947, Redheads By: Robert W. Hines1945-1946, Northern Shovelers By: Owen J. Gromme1939-1940, Green-winged Teal By: Lynn B. Hunt1936-1937, Canada Geese By: Richard E. Bishop1934-1935, Mallards By: Jay N. “Ding” Darling1935-1936, Canvasbacks 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.
