Waterfowl art losing stamp of approval

Washington waterfowlers can enjoy a tradition and contribute to waterfowl management by purchasing state duck stamps and artwork through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife or local galleries.

This year’s state duck stamp features a 3-D effect of a hen mallard landing with two drake wigeons, by Robert Steiner.

Sales of stamps and artwork have dropped off dramatically since state duck stamps were introduced in the 1980s.

“It’s partly because so many groups are selling artwork now, including Ducks Unlimited and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and almost all wildlife conservation groups,” said Don Kraege, Washington Fish and Wildlife Department waterfowl manager.

Washington’s first-of-state waterfowl art in 1986 generated $400,000 for the agency, Kraege said. A Robert Bateman print brought in $250,000 in 1988.

“The next best year was $40,000 and it’s been down from there to about $5,000 last year,” Kraege said.

Washington waterfowl hunters still have to buy the federal migratory bird stamp but they no longer have to buy the state stamp, Kraege said. “They simply have to get a waterfowl validation on their license.”

Info online: wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/water/duckstmp.htm.