In an unprecedented agreement, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has partnered with Bass Pro Shops to unveil this year’s Federal Duck Stamp on June 22nd across the country in all 42 of their retail stores, including the store in Auburn Hills, Michigan.  Bass Pro Shops will also be the exclusive seller of the stamp on that first day. 

The ceremony to commemorate this special event was held at 10:00 AM at the Bass Pro Shop in Auburn Hills.  State and local politicians, wildlife organizations, local sportsmen’s groups, art and stamp collectors, as well as members of the media attended.  The U.S. Postal Service was on hand to earmark all collector’s first day purchases of the stamp.  This adds value to the stamp.  

In 1934 the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) began a conservation initiative that is known today as the Federal Duck Stamp Program.  This revenue stamp is produced by the United States Postal Service and is a required purchase – in addition to a state hunting license – for anyone 16 years or older who wants to hunt waterfowl in the United States, and two of its territories.

These stamps not only serve as a license, but also as a conservation tool for wetland conservation.  Ninety-eight cents out of every dollar generated by the sales of Federal Duck Stamps goes directly to purchase or lease wetland habitat for protection in the National Wildlife Refuge System.  This stamp also serves as an entrance pass to these National Wildlife Refuges where admission is normally charged.  Additionally, the stamp is a very popular item among stamp collectors and art enthusiasts.