2012-2013 Federal and Junior Duck Stamps Offer Everyone An Easy Way to Help Protect Wetland Habitat Across the Nation
The 2012-2013 Federal Duck Stamp went on sale June 29 across the United
States, giving hunters, stamp collectors and anyone who cares about
migratory birds and other wildlife an easy way to help conserve their
habitat. Ninety-eight percent of proceeds from sales of the stamp are used
to acquire and protect vital wetlands supports hundreds of species of
migratory birds, wildlife and plants.
Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe joined representatives of the
U.S. Postal Service, Bass Pro Shops and other conservation partners at the
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World retail store in Hampton, Va, today to
celebrate the first day of sale of both the $15 Federal Duck Stamp and $5
Junior Duck Stamp. The new stamps are now available at thousands of post
offices, Bass Pro Shops and other sporting goods stores and retail
locations across the country, and can also be purchased online.
“For nearly 80 years, the Federal Duck Stamp has provided crucial funding
for wetland habitat conservation efforts in every state,” said Ashe.
“Buying a Duck Stamp offers hunters, conservationists, and collectors the
opportunity to own a beautiful piece of wildlife art that helps sustain
North America’s wildlife heritage. I can’t think of a better or easier way
for everyone to make a difference for wildlife conservation.”
Since the program’s inception in 1934, Federal Duck Stamp sales have
raised more than $750 million to acquire and protect more than 5.3 million
acres of habitat for hundreds of units of the National Wildlife Refuge
System in all 50 states and U.S. territories. These refuges benefit the
public by providing access to outdoor recreational activities including
hunting, fishing, birding, photography, environmental education, and
interpretation.
All migratory bird hunters age 16 and older are required to purchase and
carry a valid Federal Duck Stamp while hunting, but conservationists,
birders, and others also buy the stamp to support habitat conservation.
Anyone who holds a current Federal Duck Stamp may also obtain free
admission to any unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System that charges
admission fees.
Stamp collectors, in particular, prize Federal Duck Stamps as miniature
works of art. This year’s Federal Duck Stamp features a single wood duck
painted by Joseph Hautman of Plymouth, Minn. The Junior Duck Stamp
features a northern pintail painted by Christine Clayton, a 17 year old
from Sidney, Ohio.
With four Federal Duck Stamps to his credit, Hautman is one of the most
successful Duck Stamp artists in history, and has leveraged the
international recognition earned by winning the contest multiple times to
build his career as a wildlife artist. Clayton’s art was chosen from
among 53 Best-of-Show winners from every state, Washington, D.C., Puerto
Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands at the 2012 National Junior Duck Stamp
Contest. Clayton entered her first Junior Duck Stamp competition in 2003
and has consistently placed well among her peers over the past 11 years.
Junior Duck Stamp competitors take part in the Federal Junior Duck Stamp
Conservation and Design Program, which teaches wetlands and waterfowl
conservation to students in kindergarten through high school. The program
integrates scientific and wildlife management principles into a nationally
recognized visual arts curriculum, with participants completing a Junior
Duck Stamp design as their visual “term papers." Revenue from the sales
of the Junior Duck Stamp goes to support awards and environmental
education for students who participate in the program.
Federal and Junior Duck Stamps can be purchased at U.S. Postal Service
locations nationwide, as well as through the Postal Service’s online
catalogue. Stamps may also be purchased at Bass Pro Shops locations and
hundreds of other sporting goods stores and retailers. Electronic Duck
Stamps may be purchased online at www.duckstamp.com. The electronic
validation may be used to hunt or obtain free admission to a refuge
immediately, while a physical stamp is mailed to each customer.
Learn more about the Federal Duck Stamp Program online at
www.fws.gov/duckstamps, or on Facebook at USFWS_Federal Duck Stamp. Learn
more about the Junior Duck Stamp at www.fws.gov/juniorduck, or on Facebook
at Federal Junior Duck Stamp.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others
to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats
for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader
and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our
scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources,
dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more
information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit
www.fws.gov.
States, giving hunters, stamp collectors and anyone who cares about
migratory birds and other wildlife an easy way to help conserve their
habitat. Ninety-eight percent of proceeds from sales of the stamp are used
to acquire and protect vital wetlands supports hundreds of species of
migratory birds, wildlife and plants.
Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe joined representatives of the
U.S. Postal Service, Bass Pro Shops and other conservation partners at the
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World retail store in Hampton, Va, today to
celebrate the first day of sale of both the $15 Federal Duck Stamp and $5
Junior Duck Stamp. The new stamps are now available at thousands of post
offices, Bass Pro Shops and other sporting goods stores and retail
locations across the country, and can also be purchased online.
“For nearly 80 years, the Federal Duck Stamp has provided crucial funding
for wetland habitat conservation efforts in every state,” said Ashe.
“Buying a Duck Stamp offers hunters, conservationists, and collectors the
opportunity to own a beautiful piece of wildlife art that helps sustain
North America’s wildlife heritage. I can’t think of a better or easier way
for everyone to make a difference for wildlife conservation.”
Since the program’s inception in 1934, Federal Duck Stamp sales have
raised more than $750 million to acquire and protect more than 5.3 million
acres of habitat for hundreds of units of the National Wildlife Refuge
System in all 50 states and U.S. territories. These refuges benefit the
public by providing access to outdoor recreational activities including
hunting, fishing, birding, photography, environmental education, and
interpretation.
All migratory bird hunters age 16 and older are required to purchase and
carry a valid Federal Duck Stamp while hunting, but conservationists,
birders, and others also buy the stamp to support habitat conservation.
Anyone who holds a current Federal Duck Stamp may also obtain free
admission to any unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System that charges
admission fees.
Stamp collectors, in particular, prize Federal Duck Stamps as miniature
works of art. This year’s Federal Duck Stamp features a single wood duck
painted by Joseph Hautman of Plymouth, Minn. The Junior Duck Stamp
features a northern pintail painted by Christine Clayton, a 17 year old
from Sidney, Ohio.
With four Federal Duck Stamps to his credit, Hautman is one of the most
successful Duck Stamp artists in history, and has leveraged the
international recognition earned by winning the contest multiple times to
build his career as a wildlife artist. Clayton’s art was chosen from
among 53 Best-of-Show winners from every state, Washington, D.C., Puerto
Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands at the 2012 National Junior Duck Stamp
Contest. Clayton entered her first Junior Duck Stamp competition in 2003
and has consistently placed well among her peers over the past 11 years.
Junior Duck Stamp competitors take part in the Federal Junior Duck Stamp
Conservation and Design Program, which teaches wetlands and waterfowl
conservation to students in kindergarten through high school. The program
integrates scientific and wildlife management principles into a nationally
recognized visual arts curriculum, with participants completing a Junior
Duck Stamp design as their visual “term papers." Revenue from the sales
of the Junior Duck Stamp goes to support awards and environmental
education for students who participate in the program.
Federal and Junior Duck Stamps can be purchased at U.S. Postal Service
locations nationwide, as well as through the Postal Service’s online
catalogue. Stamps may also be purchased at Bass Pro Shops locations and
hundreds of other sporting goods stores and retailers. Electronic Duck
Stamps may be purchased online at www.duckstamp.com. The electronic
validation may be used to hunt or obtain free admission to a refuge
immediately, while a physical stamp is mailed to each customer.
Learn more about the Federal Duck Stamp Program online at
www.fws.gov/duckstamps, or on Facebook at USFWS_Federal Duck Stamp. Learn
more about the Junior Duck Stamp at www.fws.gov/juniorduck, or on Facebook
at Federal Junior Duck Stamp.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others
to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats
for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader
and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our
scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources,
dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more
information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit
www.fws.gov.
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