Where Does the Money Go? Awareness of Federal Duck Stamp Fund Expenditures Among Illinois Waterfowl Hunters

The Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, known colloquially as the “duck stamp,” came into existence with the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act of 1934. This Act required all waterfowl hunters 16 years of age or older to purchase an annual stamp to legally hunt any waterfowl in the United States. During the 2016–17 license year federal duck stamps cost $25 USD. Over 98% of funds garnered through stamp sales are allocated to the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund and used to purchase and enhance habitat on wetlands needed for breeding and wintering waterfowl and waterbirds (e.g., American Woodcock Scolopax minor and Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago). More than $850 million (USD) has been produced since the Act’s inception, resulting in protection of more than 6 million acres of critical habitat.