CONSERVATION CORNER

Electronic Duck Stamp Act Introduced

by James L. Cummins

Opening day of duck season is not as far off as one may think. And in order to duck hunt, one must have both a State and Federal duck stamp.

J.N. "Ding" Darling, nationally-known political cartoonist for the Des Moines Register (Iowa), led a drive to create the duck stamp in 1934. Darling, who was keenly interested in hunting, watched in dismay as waterfowl habitat in his own state was severely reduced. Darling put his own artistic talents to use and frequently published biting cartoons depicting the destruction of the nation's waterfowl and their habitat.

The Federal Duck Stamp Program has become a very successful conservation program. To date, over 600 million duck stamp dollars have gone to preserve over 5 million acres of wetlands. Many of the 440 National Wildlife Refuges in the United States have been paid for, entirely or in part, by duck stamp receipts.

Congressmen Chip Pickering (R-MS) and Ron Kind (D-WI) recently introduced legislation which would simplify the process of purchasing a federal duck stamp. The Electronic Duck Stamp Act of 2004 (HR 4685) will allow sportsmen to purchase their federal duck stamps by phone, over the Internet or at automated stamp machines at sporting goods stores.

"Mississippi sportsmen make an impact on our state's economy of over $1.2 billion annually. Simplifying government regulation on these activities can increase participation not only by residents, but draw visitors to our state as well," Pickering said. "This bill makes buying federal duck stamps easier while automating the process to make our government more efficient and cost effective."

This legislation would instruct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a pilot program in 15 states allowing sportsmen to purchase their federal duck stamps electronically. Pickering, who is past Co-Chairman of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, expects Mississippi to be one of these states.

Mississippians benefit immeasurably from the preservation of wetlands. Natural filtering action purifies our water, temporarily stores excessive runoff and floodwaters and, by brunting the force of storm waves, protects our shorelines and fragile barrier islands. The focus of the program has changed. The goal in recent years has been to preserve key wintering and breeding habitats in each of the four major north-south waterfowl migratory flyways, particularly those most threatened by development.

This act would not increase the cost of the $15 federal duck stamp and hunters would still be able to purchase their stamps in the current manner. The E-Duck Stamp would be valid for 45 days in which time hunters would receive their paper stamp by mail.

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi. Their web site is www.wildlifemiss.org.