DNREC’s 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. DNREC’s 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 Contest

DNREC invites artists to submit entries each winter for the annual Waterfowl Stamp Art Contest. A panel of judges selects the winning artwork that will adorn the Delaware Waterfowl Stamp for the following year’s hunting season.

The Waterfowl Stamp Art Contest is now open. Entries are due by Aug. 4, 2023.

Artwork entries must depict a Redhead duck in open water habitat typical of Delaware. The background may also include any other related subjects (e.g., duck boats, blinds, dogs, decoys, nest boxes); however, the waterfowl subject must be the focal point of the artwork.

The winning artist is awarded a prize of $2,500. DNREC retains rights to use the original artwork. In addition to the stamp, DNREC also produces prints available for purchase.

The winning artist for the 2023/2024 Delaware Waterfowl Stamp contest was Richard Clifton of Milford, Delaware.

Delaware Waterfowl Stamps

Those who hunt waterfowl in Delaware are required to have a Delaware Waterfowl Stamp. The cost of a Delaware Waterfowl Stamp is $15 for residents ages 16 to 64 and $15 for non-residents ages 16 and older. Delaware residents ages 65 and older are exempt from purchasing a Delaware Waterfowl Stamp.

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 DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Recreational Licensing Program, at 302-739-9918 or by email, at DFWRecLic@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