Delta Waterfowl Applauds Signing of Duck Stamp Modernization Act into Law

Duck hunters will be able to use electronic Federal Duck Stamps for the upcoming spring conservation seasons and beyond

A duck hunter uses his mobile phone to take a bagged shot of his string of mallard ducks hanging in wiry brown trees. Duck Hunters can now purchase their duck stamps digitally.

For immediate release
December 21, 2023

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — Delta Waterfowl applauds the signing of the Duck Stamp Modernization Act into law by President Biden on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023.

The commonsense new law—which was strongly advocated for by Delta Waterfowl—eliminates an outdated rule in which Duck Stamps purchased online were valid for a period of 45 days, after which time duck and goose hunters were required to possess the physical Duck Stamp received in the mail. The legislation allows those who purchase their stamp online to simply display it on a smart phone for the entirety of the waterfowl season, including spring snow goose conservation seasons. Notably, hunters will still be able to purchase the physical stamp from the U.S. Postal Service and other traditional Duck Stamp vendors.

“The Duck Stamp Modernization Act brings America’s celebrated Duck Stamp program into the 21st century, while ensuring its continued legacy as one of the world’s most effective and efficient wetland conservation tools,” said John Devney, chief policy officer for Delta Waterfowl. “We applaud the bipartisan effort to offer waterfowlers a new, convenient option to prove their annual Duck Stamp purchases. Strengthening the Federal Duck Stamp Program while making it easier to be a duck hunter is a win-win for conservation.”

The 2023-2024 Duck Stamp can be seen. Three majestic tundra swans can be seen in mid-flight through a grey, early morning sky. Joseph Hautman was the artist.

In July, the Senate unanimously passed the legislation (S. 788), which was sponsored by Sens. John Boozman, R-Ark., Angus King, I-Maine, Joe Manchin, D-W.V., and Roger Marshall, R-Kan. And in September, the act’s House-companion bill (H.R. 2872) passed through a unanimous voice vote indicating overwhelming bipartisan support. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Garret Graves, R-La., and Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif.

“Though the Duck Stamp Modernization Act enjoyed widespread support, a significant behind-the-scenes effort was required for it to reach the president’s desk,” Devney said. “We’d especially like to thank Reps. Graves and Thompson, and Sens. Boozman, King, Manchin, and Marshall for championing the important, commonsense legislation.”

Since 1934, sales of Federal Duck Stamps have raised more than $1.2 billion while conserving more than 6 million acres of wetland habitat for birds and other wildlife within the National Wildlife Refuge system. The efficient program invests an estimated 98 cents per dollar directly into conservation. Purchase of the $25 Duck Stamp, which today generates more than $37.5 million annually, is required for U.S. waterfowl hunters age 16 and older.

For more information, contact John Devney, chief policy officer, at (888) 987-3695 ext. 5218 or jdevney@deltawaterfowl.org.

Delta Waterfowl is The Duck Hunters Organization, a leading conservation group working to produce ducks and secure the future of waterfowl hunting in North America. Visit deltawaterfowl.org.