2026-27 DUCK STAMP GOES ON SALE IN LATE JUNE
Vanessa Kaufmann
James Hautman of Chaska, Minnesota, is the winner of the 2025 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest with an acrylic painting of three buffleheads. Hautman’s artwork has been made into the 2026-2027 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, or Duck Stamp, which will go on sale in late June 2026. This is Hautman’s seventh time winning the Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest. The Service produces the Federal Duck Stamp, which raises approximately $40 million in sales each year. These funds support conservation of wetland habitats in the National Wildlife Refuge System for the benefit of wildlife and the enjoyment of people.
“The stamp created using James’ art will serve as a lasting reminder of our rich waterfowl hunting heritage,” said Service Director Brian Nesvik. “I encourage everyone, including those who do not hunt, to buy a Duck Stamp, which raises millions of dollars to conserve wildlife and healthy wetland habitats for waterfowl and numerous other species.”
Since it was established in 1934, the Federal Duck Stamp has been sold to hunters, birdwatchers, outdoor enthusiasts and collectors, raising more than $1.3 billion to conserve over 6 million acres of habitat for birds and other wildlife and provide countless opportunities for wildlife-oriented recreation on our public lands.
Waterfowl hunters age 16 and older are required to purchase and carry the current Federal Duck Stamp. Many non-hunters, including birdwatchers, conservationists, and stamp collectors, also purchase the stamp in support of habitat conservation. Additionally, a current Federal Duck Stamp can be used for free admission to any national wildlife refuge.
Individuals can contribute to conservation and America’s great outdoors tradition by buying Federal Duck Stamps ($25) at many national wildlife refuges, sporting goods stores, and other retailers, through the U.S. Postal Service, or online at https://www.fws.gov/service/buy-duck-stamp-or-e-stamp. The stamps are available for purchase at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge during business hours. Don’t forget that the Nisqually Visitor Center has a gift shop that carries many items of interest for enjoying nature and birds. The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm.
