The Delaware Waterfowl Stamp Program helps raise funds for waterfowl conservation. Hunters and stamp collectors buy stamps and prints. The money raised is used to restore and improve wetland habitat vital for migratory waterfowl. The Division of Fish and Wildlife began the program in 1980, in partnership with Delaware Ducks Unlimited. The program has generated more than $3.6 million.

Waterfowl Stamp Art Competition

The Division invites artists to submit entries for the annual waterfowl stamp art competition each winter. A panel of judges is convened to select the winning artwork that will adorn Delaware’s waterfowl stamp for the following year’s hunting season.

A prize of $2,500 is awarded to the winning artist and the Division retains rights to use the original artwork. In addition to the stamp, the Division also produces prints available for sale.

The winning artist for the 2021/22 Delaware Waterfowl Stamp contest was Richard Clifton, of Milford, Delaware.

The contest to select the design for the 2021/22 Delaware Waterfowl Stamp was open November 1, 2019, through March 6, 2020. See the Contest Rules for more information.

Though the artwork contest is normally held annually in the spring, the judging event this year was delayed until October 6, 2020 due to COVID-19. This year’s judging approach ensured social distancing by allowing judges to inspect the artwork by appointment.

Habitat Improvements

Funds from the sales of waterfowl stamps and prints have been used to restore and improve habitat for waterfowl and a diversity of other wildlife at several state wildlife areas. They include Assawoman, Little Creek, Ted Harvey and Woodland Beach state wildlife areas.

The program also supports a partnership with Ducks Unlimited to restore maritime wetland habitat in Canada. Canadian maritime habitats are breeding grounds for many waterfowl that migrate through and winter in Delaware.

More Information

For more information on Delaware waterfowl stamps and prints, please contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife Licensing Section, at 302-739-9918 or by email, at DNREC_StampPrograms@delaware.gov.

Did you know, there’s also a Delaware Trout Stamp Contest?

Related Topics:  art, contest, education, fish and wildlife, fish-wildlife, hunting, outreach, stamp, waterfowl, wildlife