Although
one of the more expensive series of U.S. stamps to collect,
Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps, or "Duck
Stamps" continue to be popular among stamp collectors. (By
the way, stamp collectors are also known as Philatelists,
pronounced FILL-AT-TILL-LISTS.
Just thought you might like to know.)
The
first "Duck Stamp" appeared in 1934 and was issued by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a license to duck hunters.
In 1939, the issuing authority changed to the Department of the
Interior. This authorization to hunt was
good for one year and expired on June 30th. These stamps, though unacceptable
postage in everyday commerce, were
valued mainly by those who were tired of eating chicken and
turkey.
The
hard times during the American Depression coupled with FDR's need
and desire to improve conditions (in his way) prompted the adoption of
many government programs, one of which was a Congressional bill called the Migratory Bird
Hunting and Preservation Act of 1934. This resulted in a
surcharge or tax of $1.00 being levied against what had been free hunting of
waterfowl. At the time of this writing, the price of a duck stamp has
risen to $15.00. These fees, now largely raised through the sale
of stamps to collectors, are mostly being used to
purchase and maintain wetlands for ducks and
other waterfowl. Habi-tit for tat. Sorry.
Why
collect duck stamps? First of all, they are much scarcer than
other stamp issues, with an annual printing ranging from 450,000 (in 1935) to 2.4 million
(in 1971). (Compare this to regular stamp issues, with printings
up to 1.03 billion*!) Once the public had purchased the stamps
and the June 30th deadline had elapsed, remaining stamps were
often destroyed, being of little use to anyone after that. Also,
high-valued stamps for any purpose are naturally scarcer, due to
a low demand and supply. Finally, the aesthetic appeal; the
beauty of these artistic creations is inspiring. Each stamp is
taken from a lifelike artistic rendition of waterfowl. Listen
to the rustle of feathered wings beating the air in flight;
the noisy quacks breaking the silence of winter; or the
liquid rustling of the calm surface of a pond in search of
sanctuary. These are my reasons why I enjoy this hobby. Not as an
investment, but as a ticket for a journey into my imagination.
