Jul 1, 2004 · Officially known as “Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps,” Federal Duck Stamps are the longest running series of U. S. stamps. They are also among the largest and most beautiful of stamps, depicting all species of North American ducks, swans and geese. Duck stamps are revenue stamps, not postage stamps. The first duck stamp was issued in 1934 …

Since the program's inception, a variety of ducks, swans, geese, and even a hunting dog have appeared on the annual stamp. The role of Duck Stamps in conservation and the popularity of the annual Federal Duck Stamp contest have helped created a unique niche in the field of United States Philately for these revenue stamps. Search the Collection

Unlike any other stamp issued in the U.S. today, Federal Duck Stamps offer freelance artists an unprecedented opportunity to display their work nationwide. Since 1949, when the first Duck Stamp Contest was held, artists have competed for the …

The stamps are among the most beautiful ever printed and, thanks to the annual Duck Stamp Contest, have engaged the public’s imagination and anticipation far beyond that of any other issue. The lovely, alluring duck stamps have captivated many …

On August 22, 1934, Ding Darling purchased the first duck stamp ever sold. He affixed it to a Federal Form 3333, signed it, and presented it to William M. Mooney, postmaster at the main post office in Washington, D.C. Mooney also signed the form. Darling used Form 3333 because the District of Columbia did not issue hunting licenses.

Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling (1876-1962), whose artwork was featured on the first Federal Duck Stamp, was a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist for the Des Moines Register. His greatest enthusiasm was for conservation. In the 1930s, he answered a call from Washington to aid the migratory waterfowl crisis.

The first fifteen duck stamps, issued between 1934 and 1948, formed the bedrock of the duck stamp program's revenue generation, and Darling's first image became the model for the stamp's format-an image of a duck in a natural habitat. During this period, hunters and conservations purchased 18,967,556 of the 1-dollar denomination Federal Duck ...

I was aware the Duck Stamp Program and the beautiful stamps but I knew little of the process and benefits for preserving wetlands habitat. Duck Stamps have raised more than $700 million, used to acquire and protect more than 5.2 million acres. Now I am a supporter of this great program. $15 Northern Pintails autographed mini-sheet, 2008

Both artist Walter E. Bohl (1907-1990) and BEP designer Victor S. McCloskey, Jr. (1908-1988), signed this block of six 1943 federal duck stamps, plate #152827. With both Bohl and McCloskey deceased, the block is especially significant and desirable. Bohl etched the original image on …

They usually nest in cavities in trees close to water. The wood duck is the only North American duck that regularly produces two broods in one year. The wood duck is the state waterfowl of Mississippi (1974). References: Linn's U.S. Stamp Yearbook 1990 Scott 2005 Specialized Catalogue of U.S. Stamps and Covers