Stamp It Forward

In 1934 the Duck Stamp Act made it a requirement that all hunters purchase a stamp to legally pursue waterfowl in the United States. The initial stamp cost the hunter $1 in addition to their hunting license fee and has since increased $25 per year, resulting over $700 million (!) in funds generated. That money has been put to good use conserving more than 5.2 million acres of habitat across the country. The stamp has turned in to more than just a hunting permit as amazing artists display beautiful birds on a miniature canvas, allowing the Duck Stamp to renew itself as a collectors item each year. History and creativity make the stamp arguably the most influential piece of conservation we have seen. 

This raises the question amongst turkey hunters- if it is possible for a stamp to make that much of a difference why aren’t we doing the same for our beloved wild turkey?

Well in 2020 the state of Arkansas put this thought in to motion by creating the Arkansas Turkey Stamp. The voluntary stamp sells for $9.50 and is offered in a limited addition of 20,000 stamps. Upon its inaugural year it resulted in over $100,000 towards wild turkey and Bobwhite quail conservation (the two species share a fund). With wild turkey population numbers being a concern in recent years the advent of the Arkansas Turkey Stamp may come as a breath of fresh air. 

Artistic quality compares to that of the Duck Stamp. The 2021 stamps creator, Greta James, used her talents to show off a mother hen with her poults surrounded by ideal nesting habitat . 

While the funds may only benefit birds in Arkansas it sets the blueprint for what will hopefully be more states following suite.The stamp itself is available for purchase for anyone and does not require a valid Arkansas hunting license.