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On July 1, the Duck Stamp Modernization Act took effect making the Federal Duck Stamp electronically accessible to waterfowl hunters for the entire season. Previously, the electronic version of the Federal Duck Stamp was only valid for 45 days or until the purchaser received their physical stamp.
Now all electronic Federal Duck Stamps will expire on June 30 each year, which allows waterfowl hunters to carry their electronic stamp on their smartphone. To use the stamp electronically, download the Go Outdoors North Carolina smartphone app, which is available on iPhone and Android.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will only mail the physical stamp after March 10. You can purchase a physical stamp at the local U.S. Post Office between July 1 and April 1 each year if you do not wish to carry it electronically.
In addition to electronic Federal Duck Stamps, the USFWS announced a price increase for the electronic Federal Duck Stamp. The price increased from $27 to $29 starting on Aug. 1. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission recommends buying your electronic Federal Duck Stamp between July 1-31 to avoid the price increase. If purchased at the U.S. Post Office, the price remains $25 for the physical stamp.
Federal Duck Stamps are conservation revenue stamps, which means 98 percent of the purchase goes directly to help acquire and protect wetland habitat and purchase conservation easements for the National Wildlife Refuge System. The wetlands acquired with Duck Stamp funds help purify water, aid in flood control, reduce soil erosion and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.
Details: For more information, visit fws.gov/service/duck-stamps.