With both chambers having now approved a bipartisan bill offered by U.S. Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA) that would modify provisions regarding the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly referred to as the duck stamp, the measure is headed to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law.
The U.S. House of Representatives on Dec. 12 voted 403-20 to approve the Duck Stamp Modernization Act, H.R. 2872/S. 788. The U.S. Senate previously passed the measure on July 27.
“This bill will expand access to Sportsman’s Paradise to make it easier for you to spend more early mornings in the duck blind,” Rep. Graves said. “Duck hunters using electronic duck stamps should be in full compliance for the entire season, just like paper stamps.”
The congressman on April 26 sponsored H.R. 2872 alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) as companion legislation to the same-named S. 788, introduced on March 14 by U.S. Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) and Joe Manchin (D-WV).
Once signed into law, the reconciled bill will modify provisions such as allowing an individual to be carrying an electronic stamp rather than a paper stamp at the time of taking waterfowl, according to the congressional record bill summary.
The bill also will require states to issue electronic stamps at the time of purchase and the U.S. Department of the Interior to issue a paper stamp after March 10 each year to each individual who purchased an electronic stamp for the preceding waterfowl season. The electronic stamps are valid through the first June 30 after issuance, the summary says.
Duck hunters are required to have the federal license to hunt and harvest migratory waterfowl. Traditional duck stamps will continue to be available for purchase from the post office and other authorized retailers, according to Rep. Graves’ office.