WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King, Vice-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, today celebrated the Congressional passage of legislation that will streamline the duck stamp process for Maine hunters. The bipartisan Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 will provide access to the stamp on smartphones to help more people enjoy waterfowl hunting, remove barriers to getting outdoors, and increase revenue for conservation programs funded by stamp sales. The legislation passed the Senate in July and now heads the President’s desk for signature into law.

“From Bean Boots to Old Town Canoes, generations of Maine people have pioneered innovations to make getting outdoors easier. Decades later, this same commitment still drives sportsmen and women across our state and is the guiding principle of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus,” said Senator King. “The Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 embraces 21st century technology to make the great outdoors more accessible than ever. I’m proud that Congress was able to work together on a bipartisan basis to continue making recreational activities a simpler pursuit for all.”

All waterfowl hunters at or over the age of 16 must possess a current signed Federal Duck Stamp, along with state licenses and permits, to hunt legally. The Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 builds off a successful pilot program in 28 states that offer E-Stamps for 45 days of hunting. Along with the digital access, physical Duck Stamps would still be available for purchase from the post office and other authorized retailers.

The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Tom Carper (D-DE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Garret Graves (R-LA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA).

The legislation is backed by a number of leading conservation and wildlife organizations including the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and Ducks Unlimited.

As Chairman of the Senate National Parks Subcommittee and Vice-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, Senator King is among the Senate’s loudest voices encouraging outdoor recreation. Last year, he pressed the Biden administration on two of his top priorities for the National Park Service (NPS): securing enough funding for necessary park maintenance and ensuring sufficient staffing of America’s greatest treasures. Senator King also helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation includes the Restore Our Parks Act and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Permanent Funding Act. The historic legislative package continues Senator King’s career-long focus on conservation efforts, dating back to his work prior to running for elected office through his years as Governor and his service in the Senate. Over the course of his time in the Blaine House, Governor King was responsible for conserving more land across Maine than all Governors before him combined. 

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