December 12, 2023
The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds Congress for passing the Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023, S. 788. On Tuesday, December 12, the full House passed the bill by a vote of 403-20, following passage in the Senate by Unanimous Consent earlier this year.
“We thank Congress for responding to the need to modernize the Federal Duck Stamp Program for today’s sportsmen and women,” said Chuck Sykes, Director of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and President of the Association. “Waterfowlers are critical to the continued success of the American System of Conservation Funding, and this legislation will make one of the most impactful programs in the country even more accessible for current and future hunters.”
Once enacted, the Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 will authorize the electronic version of the Federal Duck Stamp for use through the entirety of a waterfowl hunting season, decreasing barriers to compliance and streamlining accessibility while preserving the rich history of the Duck Stamp artwork.
“As home to some of the best waterfowl opportunities in the world, we are deeply grateful to Senator Boozman (R-AR) for his leadership on this bill with Senators Manchin (D-WV), Marshall (R-KS), and King (I-ME),” said Austin Booth, Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. “We thank them on behalf of our many waterfowl hunters and countless others who benefit from the work enabled by the Duck Stamp Program.”
The foundation for passage of S. 788 in the House was laid with the success of near-identical legislation from Representatives Garret Graves (R-LA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA), which passed the House in September.
“We thank Representatives Graves and Thompson for their steadfast leadership delivering yet another major accomplishment for conservation,” said Robert Shadoin, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
“Representative Graves has ensured once again that Louisiana is at the forefront of modernizing conservation efforts both at home and on Capitol Hill.”
The Association also thanks Senators Carper (D-DE), Capito, (R-WV), and Cassidy (R-LA) for their support as original cosponsors of S. 788 and urges swift enactment and implementation of the Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023.
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The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies to advance sound, science-based management and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in the public interest. The Association represents its state agency members on Capitol Hill and before the Administration to advance favorable fish and wildlife conservation policy and funding and works to ensure that all entities work collaboratively on the most important issues. The Association also provides member agencies with coordination services on cross-cutting as well as species-based programs that range from birds, fish habitat and energy development to climate change, wildlife action plans, conservation education, leadership training and international relations. Working together, the Association’s member agencies are ensuring that North American fish and wildlife management has a clear and collective voice.