Published: June 27, 2008 03:12 pm            

Stamp sales benefit conservation program

Submitted by Bass Pro Shops



In 1934 the United States Fish and Wildlife Service began a conservation initiative that is known today as the Federal Duck Stamp Program. This revenue stamp is produced by the United States Postal Service and is a required purchase – in addition to a state hunting license – for anyone 16 years or older who wants to hunt waterfowl in the United States, and two of its territories.

These stamps not only serve as a license, but also as a conservation tool for wetland conservation. Ninety-eight cents out of every dollar generated by the sales of Federal Duck Stamps goes directly to purchase or lease wetland habitat for protection in the National Wildlife Refuge System benefiting not only waterfowl but many non-game bird species as well. This stamp serves as an entrance pass to these National Wildlife Refuges where admission is normally charged. Additionally, the stamp is a very popular item among stamp collectors and art enthusiasts.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has partnered with Bass Pro Shops to unveil this year’s Federal Duck Stamp on the “First Day” of sale Friday, June 27.

Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorn, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service H. Dale Hall, other USFWS officials, state and local politicians, wildlife organizations, local sportsmen’s groups, waterfowl artists, as well as art and stamp collectors will be on hand for a 10 am ceremony at Bass Pro Shops' Hanover, Md. store.

Bass Pro Shops stores in Bolingbrook, Ill., and Nashville, Tenn., will also be holding special ceremonies and 45 other Bass Pro Shops stores around the country will be selling the stamp.

The U.S. Postal Service will be on hand to earmark any collector’s first day purchase of the $15 stamp which adds to its value. Duck stamps can also be purchased after the “first day” sale at refuge visitor centers and offices, and post offices, as well as www.duckstamp.com and www.usps.com.

For more information about the federal duck stamp program go to www.fws.gov/duckstamps/.

        

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