Ducks Unlimited, partners mark 2026-27 Federal Duck Stamp first day of sale

St. Augustine, Fla. — Leaders from Ducks Unlimited, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bass Pro Shops, U.S. Postal Service, and other partners hosted a live event Friday, June 26, at Bass Pro Shops in St. Augustine celebrating the first day of sale for the 2026-2027 Federal Duck Stamp.

The Federal Duck Stamp, which costs $25 and raises about $40 million for conservation yearly, is valid from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

Purchased by millions of waterfowl hunters, wildlife enthusiasts and stamp collectors every year, duck stamps provide critical funding to purchase and protect wetlands and associated habitat for ducks, geese and other wildlife species.

“Buying a Duck Stamp is a vote for conservation,” said DU Chief Development Officer Richard Smith, who attended the event. “It shows that wetlands matter, wildlife matters, and the future of our outdoor traditions matters. Every Duck Stamp is more than a purchase; it is a commitment to protecting wetlands, safeguarding clean water for future generations and preserving America’s outdoor heritage.”

Minnesota’s Jim Hautman painted the 2026-27 federal duck stamp featuring a trio of buffleheads. (USFWS image)

The Federal Duck Stamp program raises millions of dollars to purchase and protect wetland habitat in the National Wildlife Refuge System, benefiting waterfowl and hundreds of additional wildlife species. Of every dollar spent on a duck stamp, 98 cents of each purchase goes directly to acquiring and protecting waterfowl habitat.

“Ducks Unlimited is proud to stand alongside the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in this long and successful conservation partnership,” said DU Chief Operating Officer Dr. Karen Waldrop. “Hunters have always been among the fiercest advocates for wildlife and wild places, and their support for the Duck Stamp continues to drive one of the most impactful habitat programs in the nation. Together, we’re safeguarding wetlands, wildlife, and the outdoor heritage we all cherish.”

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The 2026-2027 Junior Duck Stamp, which also went on sale June 26, features a painting of a pair of blue-winged teal by 17-year-old Texas artist Nina Liang. Sales of this $5 stamp raise funds that directly support wetland conservation and environmental education for youth.

More than 3,000 junior duck stamps are sold annually for $5 each to help promote conservation education through art.

Since the Federal Duck Stamp was created in 1934, sales have raised more than $1.3 billion, conserving more than 6 million acres of habitat for birds and wildlife and providing hunting and other recreational opportunities at wildlife refuges.

Waterfowl hunters 16 and older are required to purchase and carry a duck stamp while hunting. A duck stamp also provides free admission to public national wildlife refuges.

You can purchase electronic versions of the duck stamp online at www.fws.gov.