The duck stamp, a brilliant Depression era idea, is a work of art, tax and wetland conservation tool rolled into one. Selling for $25, an amazing 98% of the proceeds from selling the duck stamps are used to fund conservation purchases and easements nationwide. The beautiful art on the stamp is the result of a very competitive competition, and is limited to depicting a migratory bird. Beyond funding conservation, the purchase of the stamp allowes the holder to hunt migratory birds on Federal lands during the open season.
Despite its successes, the program has not been raising as much money as it had in the past. Driving the change are demographics, over the past 50 years, the hunting population has both shrunk and grown older.
In an attempt to address this shortfall, and appeal to a larger pool of of nature lovers, including birders and others not likely to pick up and go bird hunting, it has been proposed that a bird other than a migratory bird be placed aside the traditional waterfowl on the duck stamp.
Due to both it effectiveness and popularity, changes to the duck stamp program are not taken lightly, even if design changes expected to expand its appeal to both hunters and birders are made. I’m of the mind if the duck stamp isn't raising as much money as it had in the past, why not commission a 2nd stamp, solely for raising conservation funds without the waterfowl or even bird requirement?
Duck stamps are works of art in their own right with a rich history, I don't think either hunters or birders would get their feathers ruffled if the duck stamp remains true to its heritage.
More info on the duck stamp program here
