federal duck stamp program

A Milwaukee Journal Sentinel column argues that while a single artist wins the federal duck stamp contest, the whole public benefits from the program. Revenue from duck stamp sales funds wetland conservation and habitat protection, making the competition a win for wildlife, hunters, birders and conservationists alike, not just the top entry.

The 2026 Federal Duck Stamp contest winner has been revealed, drawing attention to a program that has run since 1934. The stamp, purchased mainly by hunters and collectors, has raised $1.3 billion for wetland and habitat conservation across the United States over nine decades.