The Duck Stamp: More Than Great Art

The Migratory Bird Stamp, more commonly known as the Duck Stamp, is a thing of beauty, to be sure. Each year a contest is held, and judges select a design from submissions of talented artists across the U.S.  For 2012, the winner is this exquisite depiction of a Wood Duck by Joseph Hautman of Plymouth, Minnesota. But, aside from the art, why should we purchase a Duck Stamp?

Enter the Friends of the Migratory Bird/Duck Stamp (FMBDS). The Friends of the Migratory Bird/Duck Stamp has defined its role in promoting, preserving, selling, and better understanding the Duck Stamp. This dedicated group fosters an appreciation of how funds collected through sale of the stamp, and deposited into the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, build the National Wildlife Refuge System.

According to the group’s website, its goal is to emphasize the conservation of habitat and the many wildlife species that benefit from stamp sales. To learn more, please check out the new  Friends of the Migratory Bird/Duck Stamp website, which was formally launched on June 8.  An affiliate of the National Wildlife Refuge Association, the Friends of the Migratory Bird/Duck Stamp group connects with any landscape secured through the stamp funding. To date, funding has helped build 249 refuges in the system.

Just like the Duck Stamp is not just for ducks, this Friends Group is not just for waterfowlers,” according to FMBDS President Paul Baicich. ” It’s also for other hunters, for birders, wildlife photographers, environmental educators, anglers, refuge friends, and, ultimately, for anyone who values wildlife and wild places.”  To see an example of how Duck stamp dollars are put to work, click here.

So, get yourself a Duck Stamp, folks. You’ll be part of one of our nation’s most important and effective conservation efforts. And while you’re at it, join the FMBDS.  In doing so, you support this group’s efforts to spread the word about the Duck Stamp, and ensure protected habitat for waterfowl for future generations.

Originally published on June 22, 2012