Congress Passes King’s Bipartisan Bill for Easier, Electronic Access to Duck Hunting Permits

December 13, 2023
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 bipartisanDuck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023will 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.“TheDuck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023embraces 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 huntlegally. The Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 buildsoff 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, 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.
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