Crapo Makes Way For Electronic Duck Stamp

Washington, DC â??Waterfowl hunters and stamp collectors buying a Federal Migratory Bird Duck Stamp this year will now have the ease and convenience of purchasing that stamp electronically after a bill, sponsored by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, Co-Chairman of the Congressional Sportsmen Caucus, was approved by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The bill will create a three-year pilot program in 15 states that will enable the purchase of the federal migratory bird stamp online. Hunters are required to purchase the Duck Stamp annually, which generates revenue to acquire national wildlife refuge lands, to hunt federally-designated migratory birds. Several states already have electronic systems to purchase hunting licenses, but none have electronic methods to purchase the Duck Stamp. â??By allowing the purchase of the Duck Stamp electronically, hunters will be able to spend more time enjoying nature rather than waiting in lines to purchase their Duck Stamp,â?? Crapo said. â??More people are now buying items online and this electronic method takes advantage of that convenience. The Duck Stamp provides millions of dollars to conservation efforts and preserves nature and Iâ??m pleased that hunters and stamp collectors will now have a more convenient method of buying the stamp.â?? The program allows hunters to purchase stamps over the phone or Internet, giving immediate access to a verification number. That number will be replaced by an actual paper stamp. This can dramatically reduce the time and effort for hunters to get in the field. Both sportsmen and stamp collectors wishing to buy the stamp at a store or post office will continue to have that option available. The bill will now go to the full Senate for final approval.