State And Federal Duck Stamps Now Available Online

JACKSON — Thanks to our abundance of waterfowl and habitat, hunting and viewing are very popular in Mississippi, and witnessing the teal migration and hunting season in September is a great start to the fall. One of the most important steps in preparing for the waterfowl season is purchasing state and federal duck stamps. But, even to the most experienced hunter, purchasing a state and federal waterfowl stamp may seem a bit confusing.

For several years now, waterfowl hunters and bird enthusiasts have been able to purchase the state duck stamp online through the MDWFP website (www.mdwfp.com) at a cost of $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents. Now, for the first time, federal duck stamps are also available for online purchase at a cost of $25.  All purchasers of the electronic federal duck stamp, or e-stamp, will receive their physical stamp within 45 days from date of purchase.

According to Mississippi law, funds from the sale of Mississippi waterfowl stamps must be used for the purpose of protecting and propagating migratory waterfowl and for the development, restoration, maintenance or preservation of wetlands. In past years, MDWFP has used these funds to purchase waterfowl hunting areas, like the recently acquired Howard Miller WMA, and to protect and restore habitat for breeding waterfowl. Similarly, revenue from the federal duck stamp is used to protect wetlands on the breeding grounds and to acquire public lands in Mississippi, like Tallahatchie and Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuges.