Greenhead.net - The Arkansas Duck Hunting Magazine

2/7/2012 at 6:08pm

Image by Brent Birch

Federal duck stamps may soon follow the pilot program adopted in Arkansas allowing waterfowlers to purchase stamps online.

A bill co-sponsored by Arkansas Sen. Mark Pryor would make federal duck stamps available online nationally, expanding and making permanent a pilot program currently operating in eight states.

Pryor, a Democrat, joined the bill’s sponsor, Mississippi Republican Roger Wicker, to introduce the Permanent Electronic Duck Stamp Act, S. 2071 in the Senate on Monday. The act would authorize the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to sell 45-day federal duck stamps, or E-stamps, permanently online in every state.

A similar measure introduced by Rep. Rob Whitman (R-Va.) passed in the House.

“The convenience of the E-duck stamp pilot program has proven to be highly popular in Arkansas, the duck hunting capitol of the world,” said Pryor, noting his own interest in the sport. “It’s a no-brainer to open this opportunity to sportsmen in all states and make it permanent.”

The online stamps are valid immediately upon purchase, and a physical stamp is mailed to the hunter.

Sportsmen have been required to purchase federal duck stamps since 1934.

In an op-ed piece Pryor noted the stamp program has generated $800 million for the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. The money – one $15 stamp generates $14.70 ??' has gone toward protecting 6 million acres of waterfowl habitat.

"I am optimistic we can move this bipartisan legislation through the Senate swiftly," Pryor said. "And that we can restore and expand the convenience of online duck stamps for all hunters."

For more information, visit Senator Pryor's website for full details.