What are Duck Stamps about?

The US Federal Duck Stamp-- why should anyone care?

I am often surprised when I talk to fellow birders and peers that are interested in conservation... I am surprised that not only do they not know what the federal duck stamp program is for. Some haven't even heard of it, or think that it is a postage stamp!

I am also frustrated at the birders I talk to that scorn hunters, and yet themselves would not consider buying this stamp. It is estimated that 10% or less of non-hunters buy this stamp. That's pathetic. I have seen people crying that one should consider donating that $15 to other organizations instead, but if one researches into their organization of choice, one will find that most of them contribute far, far less than $0.98/dollar to the fund of choice ($0.98/dollar goes directly toward buying wetlands with the duck stamp program). Go ahead, plug in a popular charity that protects wetlands! See where your money really goes. www.charitynavigator.org/  With many of these groups you are paying the CEO, paying for junk mailings, paying for red tape, and so forth.

Why should birders and anyone that is concerned with wildlife conservation and wetland habitat (some of the most important habitat that is under threat in the USA) buy one of these danged things? birdingwithkennandkim.blogspot…

And what the crap is this stamp thing even about?? www.fws.gov/midwest/2013DuckSt…

Could you imagine the amount of habitat that could be preserved if all US citizens (that could afford to, of course-- I know all too well how tight finances can be) bought one of these things every year?

Imagine, only how much could be saved if only the people that have gone to and enjoyed one of these preserved locations bought a stamp? Actually, the duck stamp will give you a year's worth of free admission to many NWR's... that's pretty awesome.
Have you ever been on a National Wildlife Refuge? Welcome to duck stamp conservation! Many of these wildlife refuges were paid for with duck stamp money. blog.allaboutbirds.org/2013/06… (see map, mid-article)

This journal is not intended to guilt anyone. It is hopefully to educate about this program, and to get a mini-rant off my chest! Obviously this only really applies to people in the USA. I know some of you live in other places!