Press Releases

Earlier today, legislation authored by Congressman Garret Graves (Louisiana), the Duck Stamp Modernization Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 403-20. The legislation will immediately head to the President’s desk for signature.  

“This bill will expand access to Sportsman’s Paradise to make it easier for you to spend more early mornings in the duck blind,” Graves said. “Duck hunters using electronic duck stamps should be in full compliance for the entire season, just like paper stamps.” 

This bipartisan legislation was introduced by Rep. Graves earlier this year. Rep. Graves was joined by cosponsors Rep. Mike Thompson (California) in the House, as well as Senators John Boozman (Arkansas), Joe Manchin (West Virginia), Roger Marshall, M.D. (Kansas) and Angus King (Maine) in the Senate. 

Background: 

Duck hunters are required to have the federal license, the “duck stamp,” to hunt and harvest migratory waterfowl. When a hunter purchases their annual stamp online, they have access to an electronic copy for up to 45 days, giving them temporary cover until their physical stamp arrives in the mail. Unfortunately, it can take weeks or even months for the physical stamp to actually arrive. The delayed arrival jeopardizes a hunter’s ability to comply with federal hunting license requirements during the short hunting season. 

This legislation will allow duck hunters to access an electronic copy of their annual duck stamp on their smartphone, so they can remain in compliance for the entirety of duck season. 

Whether limiting on fall teal in a Louisiana marsh or bagging springtime snow geese in the rolling hills of South Dakota, the electronic duck stamp will be valid in every state in the nation. 

Traditional duck stamps will continue to be available for purchase from the post office and other authorized retailers. Under the bill, the physical stamp will be mailed to those purchasing the electronic duck stamp after hunting season.  

Since 1934 when the federal duck stamp was signed into law, the program has generated over $1 billion for wetlands conservation. Ninety-eight percent of the purchase price for federal duck stamps goes directly back to improving wetland habitats and enhancing access for hunters – making this program one of the best returns on investments for conservation efforts. To date, the federal duck stamp has conserved over 6 million acres of wetlands within the National Wildlife Refuge System.