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. See the Contest Rules for more information.

The next Waterfowl Stamp Art Contest will take place in the summer or fall of 2021. Judging dates will be set based on the progress of Delaware’s COVID-19 response and the need to protect public health. When dates are set, DNREC will notify artists and post the dates here.

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

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