On December 19, 2023, President Biden signed into law the Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023. This Act modifies provisions regarding the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly referred to as the Duck Stamp, now allowing an individual to carry an electronic stamp for the entire waterfowl hunting season.
Read the full USFWS Article “Buy a Duck Stamp or E-Stamp” including regulations and how to contact the Duck Stamp Program Manager for state support.
On behalf of our state agency partners, Brandt has been working diligently directly with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) and Ducks Unlimited to ensure proper execution of The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Program.
What You Need to Know
- Customer can purchase a Duck Stamp online and it lives on their profile until the following June 30. This is different than the previous policy of the temporary digital stamp lasting 45 days only.
- Amplex will not mail the physical stamps until after March 10 of the current Federal Fiscal Year. This is to prevent someone from having the digital version and the physical version which can be given to someone else.
- The physical stamp will be mailed to the address that is on file at the time of purchase. This cannot be changed at a later date by the customer, as license system fulfillment files and funds transfers to Amplex are requested to maintain their preexisting delivery schedule.
- The Federal Duck Stamp price increased on August 1, 2024 by two dollars to $25.00.
- Customers can provide proof of licensure in accordance with the State’s policies (paper, email, PDF, App, etc)
- The state agency must be under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with USFWS to sell digital duck stamps.
- Physical Stamps can still be purchased at USPS Post Office locations, as well as directly on the Amplex website, duckstamp.com.
The Brandt team met with state agency staff across the nation to seek feedback and engaged with the USFWS to clarify questions throughout the digitization process. This approach ensured a unified plan for as many states as possible, resulting in consistent public communications and a seamless user experience.
What to Expect
- Public communication is key. Ensure consistent messaging is disseminated across the organization (from law enforcement to front desk staff) as well as publicly through social media, website, newsletters, and license marketing emails. See a sample email with FAQs
- Even with proactive messaging, be prepared for more public questions and phone calls than previous years during the first hunting season live.
- Consider updating your automated voice messaging to explain the new options available including a transfer to Amplex.
- After the first year, we are projecting a decrease in customer calls regarding lost duck stamps as the digital version will be accepted the full fiscal year.
- With the modernization better digitally matching an individual to a stamp purchase, we are projecting an increase in Federal Duck Stamps sold, leading to additional conservation funding.
The Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 is a pivotal step in making conservation efforts more accessible. Electronic stamps remaining valid for the entire hunting season simplifies the process for new and longtime hunters. Brandt’s collaboration with AFWA, Ducks Unlimited, and USFWS aligned state and federal efforts to support consistent and effective wildlife conservation regulations.