Joco Today

Washington, D.C. - President Joe Biden has signed the Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 into law, a significant piece of legislation that will make the Federal Duck Stamp more accessible, decrease barriers to compliance, and increase revenue for conservation efforts. The bill, led by U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D, John Boozman, Joe Manchin, and Angus King, authorizes a permanent electronic duck stamp for the entirety of a waterfowl hunting season.

The Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 introduces the use of an electronic duck stamp via smartphones, allowing hunters to meet the requirement of purchasing a Federal Duck Stamp and carry it while in the field. This modernization aims to simplify the process for hunters and make it easier for them to participate in the time-honored tradition of waterfowl hunting.

Senator Marshall expressed his pride in the advancement of this legislation, stating, "Some of my fondest memories include hunting with my dad and now with my own sons back in Kansas. I’m proud Congress advanced this commonsense legislation that makes accessing duck stamps easier and drives more dollars to conservation programs so that families can continue to experience America’s vast wilderness for years to come."

Senator Boozman, a member of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, also celebrated the signing of the Duck Stamp Modernization Act, emphasizing the benefits it brings to waterfowlers and wetland preservation. He said, "Arkansans are rightfully proud of the unique environment that makes our state a world-class duck hunting location. Modernizing the Federal Duck Stamp is great news for waterfowlers who want to take part in this time-honored tradition and share their appreciation for this popular outdoor activity."

The Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 received support from various conservation and wildlife organizations. Austin Booth, Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, expressed his gratitude to Senator Boozman for leading the efforts to modernize the Federal Duck Stamp. He said, "On behalf of Arkansas's waterfowlers, I would like to thank Senator Boozman for leading the Senate's efforts to modernize the Federal Duck Stamp. This commonsense legislation not only cuts red tape but makes it easier for Arkansans to enjoy our world-class waterfowl opportunity."

The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) also commended the legislation, highlighting the efforts of Senator Boozman and other members of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus (CSC) who spearheaded the initiative. CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane stated, "The Duck Stamp Modernization Act is a commonsense effort to simplify the way in which sportsmen and women operate in the 21st century. The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) is glad to see this legislation signed into law and thanks the leadership of Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus (CSC) Co-Chair Senator Boozman, CSC Vice-Chair Representative Graves, and the other members of the CSC who spearheaded this effort."

Ducks Unlimited, a leading conservation organization, also expressed their support for the Duck Stamp Modernization Act. CEO Adam Putnam emphasized the importance of the legislation in making duck hunting more accessible and increasing the protection of wildlife habitat. Putnam stated, "This is commonsense legislation that will make buying a duck stamp much easier and help make duck hunting more accessible to all waterfowlers. More than 8 million acres of wetland habitat has been conserved through the Federal Duck Stamp program. Now that the stamp is fully electronic, we hope that more birders, anglers, and conservationists will join us to increase the number of stamps purchased each year so that more wildlife habitat can be protected. Senator Boozman and Representative Graves did an incredible amount of work behind the scenes to get the Duck Stamp Modernization Act passed, and we thank them for their efforts."

The Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 marks a significant step forward in enhancing accessibility and conservation efforts related to waterfowl hunting. The introduction of the electronic duck stamp will simplify the purchasing process and contribute to the preservation of wetland habitats. With the support of various organizations and the leadership of Senators Marshall, Boozman, Manchin, and King, this legislation ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy America's vast wilderness and the tradition of waterfowl hunting.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/duck-stamp-modernization-act-into-signed-into-law/