5 minute read
Little Stamps, Big Impacts
Garrett Dietz and Molly Meister
Garrett Dietz is a public information officer and Molly Meister is a publications supervisor in the DNR’s Office of Communications.
Fish and wildlife stamps support conservation and wildlife habitat management here in Wisconsin.
Anglers or hunters who harvest certain species are required to purchase a stamp. But stamps aren’t just harvest authorizations — they are also collectibles that support conservation, outdoor recreation and natural resources protection across the state.
Here’s more on available stamps and the conservation work they make possible.
Waterfowl Stamp*
Purpose: To support wetland conservation and preserve critical waterfowl breeding habitat.
Impact: The money from Waterfowl Stamp sales allows the DNR and conservation partners to work on dozens of projects, including habitat management, restoration and maintenance that not only benefit waterfowl but also help to recharge groundwater, improve water quality and create floodwater retention that impacts human health and other wildlife species.
Waterfowl Stamp revenues directly contribute to conservation projects throughout Wisconsin, primarily at state wildlife areas that provide wetland habitat for waterfowl. One-third of stamp revenues are also allocated to migratory bird habitat work at breeding grounds in Manitoba, Canada, the origination point for many of the waterfowl Wisconsinites see migrating in the spring and fall.
Cost: $12
How to buy: Go Wild, DNR Service Centers and DNR license vendors
Federal Duck Stamp*
Purpose: To support the conservation of more than 6 million acres of wetland habitat nationwide. Migratory bird hunters age 16 and older must possess a Federal Duck Stamp (or e-stamp), along with state licenses and permits to harvest waterfowl.
Impact: Since 1934, over $1.2 billion has been raised from sales of the Duck Stamp, conserving over 6 million acres of land within the National Wildlife Refuge System. Wetlands acquired with Duck Stamp dollars help purify water, aid in flood control, reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.
Bonus! Buying this stamp grants you free admission to any National Wildlife Refuge that charges an entry fee.
Cost: $25
How to buy: DNR Service Centers, your local post office and a variety of sporting goods and outdoor recreation stores, some national wildlife refuges or online through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s authorized vendor, duckstamp.com.
Pheasant Stamp*
Purpose: Supports habitat management to develop, manage, preserve, restore and maintain Wisconsin’s wild and stocked ring-necked pheasants.
Impact: Since 1992, over $11.1 million in Pheasant Stamp dollars and $8.1 million in partner dollars have been used to support thousands of acres of nesting, brooding, rearing and winter habitats throughout the state. The collective use of stamp and partner dollars has affected over 542,000 acres of public and private lands open to public hunting and has funded educational workshops, demonstration sites and research projects.
The Pheasant Stamp program has proven very effective in fostering cooperative relationships with local nonprofit organizations and conservation groups. These relationships are crucial to the success and expansion of habitat areas that benefit not only pheasants but also other wildlife species, hunters, outdoor recreationists, foragers and birders.
Cost: $10
How to buy: Go Wild, DNR Service Centers and DNR license vendors
Wild Turkey Stamp*
Purpose: Supports developing, managing, preserving, restoring and maintaining Wisconsin’s wild turkey population.
Impact: Since the program began in 1996, more than $18.9 million of Wild Turkey Stamp funds have supported over 1,150 stamp projects completed by the DNR and conservation partners. These projects have improved habitat on more than 775,000 acres of public and private land and funded important outreach, education and research into Wisconsin’s turkey population.
These efforts not only benefit wild turkeys but also support broader habitat conservation goals. The Wild Turkey Stamp program provides critical funding that enhances turkey habitat, supports recreational opportunities for hunters and benefits outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy Wisconsin’s diverse wildlife and natural landscapes.
Cost: $5.25
How to buy: Go Wild, DNR Service Centers and DNR license vendors
Inland Waters Trout Stamp
Purpose: To provide funding for improving and restoring Wisconsin’s inland trout habitat and increasing trout fishing opportunities.
Impact: Projects funded by Trout Stamp revenues directly relate to inland habitat management, trout population surveys and habitat work administration. These activities help improve and maintain Wisconsin’s prized inland coldwater fisheries.
Projects include in-stream habitat work, stream bank improvements, restoring past habitat additions and improving angler access and aquatic connectivity. Beaver control projects are also funded as part of habitat management. Survey work funded through Trout Stamp sales directly assists with planning and evaluating the impact of habitat projects, wild trout stocking, trout genetics and regulation changes.
Cost: $10
How to buy: Go Wild, DNR Service Centers and DNR license vendors
Great Lakes Salmon And Trout Stamp
Purpose: To support the DNR’s salmon and trout rearing and stocking program for the Great Lakes.
Impact: Projects funded with stamp monies must specifically relate to the DNR’s Great Lakes stocking program. These activities include population evaluation and research (i.e., creel surveys, strain evaluations, lamprey barrier and management planning) and propagation activities (i.e., hatchery operation costs, fish rearing and stocking).
Stamp dollars are responsible for maintaining a world-class salmon and trout fishery in lakes Michigan and Superior.
Cost: $10
How to buy: Go Wild, DNR Service Centers and DNR license vendors.
Learn More
For details on fish and wildlife stamps that support conservation, visit the DNR website.
*Note: An asterisk means physical stamps are available to be mailed upon purchase; otherwise, stamps appear as text on licenses.
