Duck Stamp Funding

By Bruce Urben, President
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s March Volunteer Newsletter edition.

The Wisconsin Waterfowl Stamp has generated more than 14 million dollars for habitat work in this state since its inception in 1978. Wisconsin’s Duck Stamp funding is specifically earmarked for wetland habitat work by state statues and cannot be raided for other uses without a legislative change.

WWA receives Wisconsin Duck Stamp funding each year for its small wetland habitat work. Stamp fund dollars are matched by funding raised by WWA through our statewide fundraising events. Clearly you can see that the state’s Duck Stamp revenue is a huge contributor to habitat field work done by WWA!

The first Wisconsin Duck Stamp was issued in 1978 and cost $3.25. In 1991, the Stamp price was increased to $5.25 (a two dollar bump) and again increased in 1997 to $7.00 (a $1.75 raise). The price of our Waterfowl Stamp has now not been increased for over 22 years!!

We know that the number of waterfowl hunters has been slowly decreasing the last 5 years, so, as you would expect, the number of Duck Stamp sales has also been decreasing. Couple that with the inflation in the cost of contractor costs to complete fieldwork equates to less habitat and less breeding/feeding Wildfowl!

As an example:

Restoration work on a WWA project last month requires outside funding, such as the state’s Duck Stamp funds

  • A 100 HP tractor rental for 200 hours over 12 months in 2005 cost $3,200
    • In 2018 it costs $6,560
  • A d6 dozer rental for 200 hours over 12 months in 2005 cost $7,000
    • In 2018 it cost $14,210
  • A CAT excavator rental for 200 hours over 12 months in 2005 cost $4,600
    • In 2018 it cost $14,210
  • 1000 cubic yards of pit run aggregate (no hauling) cost $1,500 in 2005
    • In 2018 it cost $5,250

WWA has supported a proposal to increase the Waterfowl Stamp fee to $12.00 (a $5.00 increase) since 2010. A survey of our membership in 2010 had given overwhelming support. Our recent survey confirmed that support. WWA staff and key volunteers have been actively discussing this issue with legislative leaders in Madison.

We now need everyone’s help. Ask your local legislators to support a State Duck Stamp increase this year. Without it we may not be able to support our wetland habitat improvements or support our homegrown wildfowl in Wisconsin.

The time to help is now. Join me in supporting the proposed Stamp increase fee in Wisconsin.

Thanks for your help!