Senate Passes King Bill for Easier, Electronic Access to Duck Permits

August 01, 2023
BRUNSWICK, ME –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), Vice-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, today celebrated the Senate’s unanimous passage of his bipartisanDuck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023that would make the Federal Duck Stamp – required for duck hunting – available electronically. Providing access to the stamp on smartphones, in an expedited fashion, would help more people enjoy waterfowl hunting, remove barriers to getting outdoors, and increase revenue for conservation programs funded by stamp sales. The bill was cosponsored by Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), also members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus.
“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. “TheDuck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023embraces 21st century technology to make the great outdoors more accessible than ever. I’m proud to join my fellow Sportsmen’s Caucus members in unanimously passing this bill and hope we can 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. TheDuck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023builds 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.
“There are few better ways to spend a day than duck hunting in the Maine outdoors. TheDuck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023is a smart way to reduce unnecessary barriers for Maine’s law-abiding sportsmen and women, encourage more people to try hunting, and expand funding for conservation programs,”said David Trahan, Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine Executive Director. “This bill aligns well with the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine longstanding mission to enhance and preserve Maine’s outdoor heritage. We’re excited to see Senator King’s leadership on the issue."
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and Ducks Unlimited are also supporters of the legislation.
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, hepressedthe 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 thepassage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation includesthe Restore Our Parks Actand theLand and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Permanent Funding Act. The historic legislative package continues Senator King’s career-long focus on conservation efforts, dating back tohis work prior to running for elected officethrough his years as Governor andhis 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.