U.S. Senators Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) on Monday introduced the Permanent Electronic Duck Stamp Act, S. 2071 to make Federal duck stamps available online nationally.
“The convenience of the e-duck stamp pilot program has proven to be highly popular in Arkansas, the duck hunting capital of the world. It’s a no-brainer to open up this opportunity to sportsmen in all states and to make it permanent,” Pryor said. “I’m pleased to team up with Senator Wicker to help advance this bipartisan initiative into law.”
“Mississippi has a long tradition of duck hunting,” said Wicker. “Americans who enjoy duck hunting have had to purchase a Federal duck stamps at local post offices or sporting goods and outdoors stores. This legislation would allow them to purchase a Federal duck stamp online, saving time and money. The Federal government needs to modernize, and this is one small step toward that goal.”
The Permanent Electronic Duck Stamp Act would authorize the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to sell Federal duck stamps, known as E-stamps, online, which would be valid for 45 days. Currently, sportsmen in eight states can purchase duck stamps on the internet. The Wicker-Pryor bill would make this pilot project permanent and extend it to all states.
Since 1934, sportsmen have been required to purchase a Federal duck stamp to hunt migratory waterfowl. The program generates approximately $25 million per year, which is deposited into the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund to preserve habitats and ensure future hunting opportunities.
A similar measure, introduced by Rep. Rob Whitman (R-Va.), passed on Jan. 23 in the House.
A copy of the bill can be found here.
