House Votes to Increase Duck Stamp, Bill Moves to Senate

by
posted on December 1, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (74)

In a voice vote on Monday, Nov. 17, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to raise the price of federal duck stamps from $15 to $25. The bill now moves to the Senate.

"Ducks Unlimited's goal is to have the Duck Stamp Act of 2014 signed into law by the end of the year," said Katie Murtha, DU's chief policy officer. "The time is now."

Indeed it is. The battle to provide the duck stamp program with much-needed teeth has waged for about five years; meanwhile inflation and land values have continued to rise, further decreasing the conservation power of each stamp sold. That's why, in addition to DU, Delta Waterfowl and about 30 other conservation groups support the increase.

Duck stamps haven't increased in price since 1991—before I was even old enough to legally hunt. Here's why I find this unacceptable:

• Funds generated by sales of "migratory bird hunting and conservation stamps" are vital to wetlands conservation. About 2.5 million acres in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) have been conserved through federal easements since 1934, including 7,000 waterfowl production areas (which, by the way, also preserves public-hunting opportunities). Preservation of PPR grassland is absolutely vital to maintaining stable waterfowl populations.

• While the price per stamp has not increased, land values have skyrocketed during the last 20 years. In Minnesota, for instance, the average price for an acre of land in 1998 was $400—today it's $1,400, a 250-percent jump. Though 98 cents of every dollar spent on stamps goes to conservation, a dollar simply doesn't have the buying power it did twenty years ago. Accounting for inflation, $15 in 1991 equates to $26 today.

To me, the most frustrating aspect of the duck-stamp price debate is the resistance it's received from a few hunters. To me it's simple: Do we want to adequately fund the most successful conservation program in the history of North America or let it fade away? Do we want ducks, or would we rather have a measly $10 in our wallets?

Latest

DNR Researchers LEDE Elk
DNR Researchers LEDE Elk

Michigan and Idaho Harness Game Camera Technology

Information gathered by hunters using today’s generation of game cameras can improve the odds of success on opening day, but state conservation departments are also adopting the technology to get a better glimpse of tough-to-count wildlife populations. Biologists in Michigan and Idaho are among the latest to join that growing list.

Leupold Announces Winners of ‘Project Hunt’ 2025

Leupold is pleased to announce the winners of its 2025 Project Hunt contest.

Hardware Review: TriStar Raptor II

There are few more utilitarian tools than a good, affordable shotgun. TriStar Arms is one of the leaders in producing firearms that fit into this category, and for 2025 the company released an update to its acclaimed Raptor semi-auto.

Christensen Arms Expands into .22 and .25 Creedmoor

Christensen Arms has announced the addition of .22 Creedmoor and .25 Creedmoor chamberings to three of its most popular rifle platforms: the Evoke Rifle, the Modern Precision Rifle (MPR), and the Ridgeline FFT.

Nosler Announces the Passing of Robert “Bob” Nosler

Nosler has announced with deep sadness the passing of Robert “Bob” Nosler, the company's Chairman, on September 2, 2025, at the age of 79.

The FN 5.7 as a Survival Round

This company’s Sub2000 folding carbine and compact PR57 pistol can be ideal traveling companions in this caliber.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.