Hundreds of stamp collectors and outdoor enthusiasts lined up to have their newly purchased duck stamps and stamp products signed by Duck Stamp artist Joe Hautman and Junior Duck Stamp artist Seokkyun Hong. The first 75th Anniversary Federal Duck Stamp was sold to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall during a special ceremony hosted today by Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, near Baltimore, Maryland. "It's an honor to be the first in line to buy this stamp and help contribute to this unique wetlands conservation program," said Hall. "I'm proud to carry on the tradition started by Ding more than 75 years ago. Now more than ever, our nation depends on healthy wetlands and clean water for conserving waterfowl populations and ensuring healthy and safe communities. Purchasing this little stamp reaps huge dividends for our nation."

Duck Stamps can be purchased at hundreds of post offices across the country, as well as major sporting goods stores that sell hunting and fishing licenses. For information on other Federal Duck Stamp products and buying options, please visit Buy Stamps.

The 2008-2009 Federal Junior Duck Stamp also went on sale at the event. Eighteen-year-old Seokkyun Hong of Dallas, Texas, was the winning artist, and his depiction of a pair of Nene (Hawaiian goose) is featured on the stamp. The design for the new stamp was chosen by a panel of judges at the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest, held at the San Diego Zoo last spring. Proceeds from Junior Duck Stamp sales are used to support environmental education efforts and awards for contest winners.

Ninety-eight percent of the proceeds from the $15 Duck Stamp go to the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, which supports the acquisition of wetland and associated upland habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System. To date, Duck Stamp funds have been used to purchase habitat at hundreds of refuges located in nearly every state in the nation. These refuges offer unparalleled recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, bird watching and photography.