First Issued: 1979

Usual month of issue: October

Destruction policy: None

Number of stamps 1979-2005: 27

Format: Printed in sheets of 10, stamps individually numbered

Worth Mentioning: Although the printed face value is $5.00, the state of Alabama charges a $1.00 premium per stamp.

First Issued: 1985

Usual month of issue: July (Hunter stamps not sold to collectors until following January)

Destruction policy: Two years after issue date

Number of collector stamps 1985-2005: 21

Hunter stamps first issued: 1987

Number of hunter stamps 1987-2005: 19

Governor stamp issued in 1989 and 1994 signed and unsigned

Format: Collector stamps printed in sheets of 30 with serial number on reverse. Plate numbers in margins on all four corners. Hunter stamps issued in booklet pane of 5. Serial number on hunter tab is identical to the number on the back of the stamp. Hunter stamps issued from 1995 on have three of the stamps in the books of five with blank tabs. In 1998, the size of the stamp was increased.  Starting in 1999, there was writing on all five tabs. 

First Issued: 1987

Usual month of issue: July

Destruction policy: One year after issue date

Number of collector stamps 1987-2005: 19

Number of hunter stamps 1987-2005: 19

Governor stamps issued from 1989-1997 signed and unsigned

Format: Collector stamps printed in sheets of 30 with serial number on the front and plate numbers in margins on all four corners. Hunter stamps issued in booklet panes of 5 in a book of 10. Beginning in 2003, hunter stamps were issued in panes of two with the tab on the bottom of the stamp.

First Issued: 1981

Usual month of issue: July

Destruction policy: Three years after issue date

Number of collector stamps 1981-2005: 27

Number of Non-resident stamp: 2004-2005: 2

Number of hunter stamps 1981-2005: 25

Number of Non-resident hunter stamps 2004-2005: 2

Format: The collector stamps of 1981 were issued in sheets of 30 with a single plate number in the lower left corner. This format was changed to a sheet of 10 in 1982, again with a single plate number in the lower left corner. The hunter stamps of 1981 were issued in a sheet of 30 with a booklet cover and an extra row of selvedge at the top. Complete books of this issue are among the scarcest of all state duck items. From 1982 on hunter stamps were issued in books of 20 consisting of two panes of 10. All stamps have serial numbers on the reverse. Hunter stamps have the following serial #'s: 1981 & 1982 (110,001-200,000), 1983 (70,001-160,000), 1984-1988 (25,001-100,000), 1989-1993 (30,001-100,000), 1994 (25,000-100,000), 1995-2005 (13,001-100,000). A $20 non-resident stamp started in 2004.

Worth Mentioning: In 1981 and 1982, the state of Arkansas sold imperforate proofs (the stamps have no serial numbers) themselves. In 1983 imperforate sheets were not produced, however imperforate singles were. Full sheets (and hence pairs) have been available since 1984 from the publisher.

In 1987 the stamps were issued with a $7.00 face value. Unfortunately, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission had no authority to raise the price. The state Supreme Court issued an order for the prices of the 1987 and 1988 to be restored to the fee level of the preceding year ($5.50). Additional stamps were printed with the lower denomination. In 1989, the face value was officially raised to $7.00.

In 1990, printing problems led to color variations. The hunter type stamps are lighter in color and almost look faded. The collector type stamps were reprinted and are a brighter color, however many are available with the lighter color. The imperforate proof stamps are available in both shades as well. Color shades are not uncommon with state duck stamps. Color varieties can be found on several different stamps.

First Issued: 1971 (The first state to issue a pictorial waterfowl stamp)

Usual month of issue: September

Destruction policy: None

Number of stamps 1971-2005: 38 (1995 issued four different and 1998 and 1999 issued two different as a se-tenant pair)

Format: Booklets of 25 with panes of five except 1995, which were panes of four.

Worth Mentioning: Stamps from 1971 to 1978 are issued on self-adhesive waxed paper. Some of these issues are prone to toning, especially issues of 1975 and 1976 with red lines in the paper. Perfect copies command higher prices (they do not exist for the 1976 issue). The more expensive stamps from this period are available rebacked (not on original backing) for a fraction of the mint price.  

In 1978, the legislature raised the duck stamp fee to $5.00. The current stamp was reprinted with the higher denomination. This is a case when it really paid to purchase your duck stamp early!

Imperforate stamps from 1979 & 1980 without full serial numbers are proofs. They exist in booklet panes of 5, blocks of 4, and other multiples.

In 1995 to commemorate 25 years of issuing stamps, California issued a se-tenant (attached stamps with different designs) strip of four different duck stamps. If these stamps were put together, they would make a complete picture.  A se-tenant pair was issued in 1998.

A mini sheet of four with decorative borders was issued in perforated and imperforate. A complete picture was available with the purchase of a mini sheet. These mini sheets were primarily available from the publisher for a premium over face value.

First Issued: 1990

Usual month of issue: August  (The 1998 through 2000 stamps were released in conjunction with ROMPEX, a stamp show held in Denver in May)

Destruction policy: September following the year of issue

Number of collector stamps 1990-2005: 16

Number of hunter stamps 1990-2002: 13

Governor's stamps issued 1990-1993 signed and unsigned

Format: Collector stamps are issued in sheets of 30 with plate numbers located at each corner. 

Hunter stamps are issued in books of 20 made up of five panes of four. All stamps have serial numbers on the front.

Worth Mentioning: Imperforate copies of the 1990 Colorado stamps without serial numbers are proofs.  The 1997 regular stamp was issued with gold printing and the hunter stamp was issued with white printing.   Hunter stamps with tabs were produced in 2001 and 2002 but not sold to collectors.  Repeated attempts by several dealers to obtain these did no good.  I have heard of at least one person who was able to purchase these stamps from a dealer in  Colorado. No more than 34 2001 hunter stamps have been recorded and no more than 74 2002 stamps have been recorded.  They occasionally come on market.

First Issued: 1993

Usual month of issue: July

Destruction policy: Three years after being issued

Number of collector stamps 1993-2005: 13

Number of hunter stamps 1993-2002: 10

Governor stamp issued signed and unsigned in 1993 and 1997

Format: Collector stamps are issued in sheets of 30 with plate numbers located at each corner. Hunter stamps from 1993-1996 are issued in books of 20 made up of two panes of 10. These are collected in pairs to easily distinguish from the sheet type. Hunter stamps have serial #'s 51,000 and up. Beginning in 1997, the hunter stamps are the same format as the collector stamp except the serial number has a prefix "H" - the collector type has a prefix "C".

Worth Mentioning: As the 49th state to issue duck stamps, Connecticut issued a decorative mini sheet of four (1500 issued). A special first day "launch" program was issued on March 31, 1993. This program not only contained a first day canceled stamp, but numbered imperforates proof (an edition size of 750). This proof is interesting as it has color bars at the top of the stamp. This was repeated in 1994 as well.  The 1997-2002 stamps were only available from the publisher who charged a $1.00 premium for each stamp sold.

First Issued: 1980

Usual month of issue: July

Destruction policy: Three years after issue date

Number of collector stamps 1980-2005: 26

Hunter stamps first issued: 1991

Number of hunter stamps 1991-2005: 15

Governors stamp issued in 1990 signed and unsigned

Format: All stamps are printed in sheets of 10. The hunter stamps have serial numbers on the reverse. A single plate number is located in the lower right margin of each pane. The 1998-2002 Collector stamps have a "C" prefix.

First Issued: 1979

Usual month of issue: June

Destruction policy: One year after expiration date

Number of stamps 1979-2003: 25

Format: Stamps from 1979-1985 were issued in panes of five with a large tab attached to the left.

Starting in 1986, the format was changed to a sheet of 10 with one survey tab attached to the left of the top stamp. Three rows of three stamps are located under that top stamp. All stamps have serial numbers on the front.  In 1998, the format was changed to a sheet of 12 with the state name on top. The 2003 stamp was issued for duck stamp prints only.  1000 stamps were printed.

Worth Mentioning: Major color varieties exist on the 1981, 1982 and 1984 issues.

First Issued: 1985

Usual month of issue: October

Destruction policy: End of February after expiration date

Number of stamps 1985-1999: 15 (series ended in 1999)

Format: Stamps from 1985-1988 were issued in sheets of 30 with plate numbers in all four corners. These stamps were not required to hunt waterfowl. Beginning in 1989, the format was changed to sheets of 20 with no plate numbers. Sheets of Georgia stamps come from the state with the left selvedge glued to a cardboard backing. Stamps issued 1989 or later are required to hunt ducks. Stamps from 1989 onward have serial numbers on the front.  The program ended in 1999.  Although stamps were produced for 2000, they were not put into general distribution.

First Issued: 1996

Usual month of issue: September

Destruction policy: None

Number of collector stamps 1996-2005: 13

Number of hunter stamps 1996-2001: 6

Format: Stamps are issued in sheets of 30 with plate numbers in all four corners. In 1996, a one stamp descriptive booklet was issued with selvedge on all sides. Hunter stamps were issued in books of 20 (five panes of four) in 1996 and changed to four panes of five in 1997. A miniature sheet of four with decorative borders was issued in 1996 and 1997. These sheets are available perforated and imperforate.   Individual booklets were issued in 1996 and 1997 as well. Beginning in 2003, a game bird stamp was issued in addition to the regular stamp.

First Issued: 1987

Usual month of issue: September (Hunter stamp are made available to collectors in the following January)

Destruction policy: October the following year

Number of collector stamps 1987-1998: 12 (series ended in 1998)

Number of hunter stamps 1987-1995: 9 (series ended in 1995)

Format: Collector stamps are issued in sheets of 30 with plate numbers in all four corners. Hunter stamps are issued as individual stamps with tabs in booklets of 10. All stamps have serial numbers on the front.

Worth Mentioning: In 1991 the state of Idaho had problems with their printer thus delaying the delivery of their stamps. Although collectors could wait an extra month or two to put a stamp in their collections, hunters could not. Temporary waterfowl hunting stamps were ordered to sell to the hunters. Collector sheet stamps would have the serial numbers of 1-20,010 (a total of 667 sheets of 30). 999 booklets of 10 of the temporary stamps were ordered (serial numbers 20,011-30,000. According to Steve Beig from the Department of Fish & Game in Boise, 1290 stamps were destroyed at the end of the season. The State confirms that very few of these stamps were sold to collectors. These stamps were virtually unknown until 1994 when they first surfaced which attests to their scarcity. Make sure you add this stamp to your collection if you have a chance.

First Issued: 1975

Usual month of issue: February

Destruction policy: March one year after expiration date

Number of stamps 1975-2005: 32

Governor stamp issued in 1990 signed and unsigned

Format: Stamps were issued in sheets of 10 from 1975-1984. Beginning in 1985, the format was changed to panes of 5 with a tab attached at the left in a book of 30. Another change in 1992 showed the serial numbers printed by computer. In 1996, the format was changed back to a sheet of 10 with no tabs. All Illinois stamps have serial numbers on the front.

Worth Mentioning: In 1981, the new Widgeon stamp was mistakenly labeled with the name of the previous years duck: the Green Winged Teal. 1774 of these stamps were printed before the error was noticed. In 1992, the state of Illinois instituted a new policy of charging a premium ($3.00) for collectors who requested stamps with tabs attached. This policy remained in effect for several months until collector outcry caused this decision to be rescinded.

First Issued: 1976

Usual month of issue: December (for the following year)

Destruction policy: None

Number of stamps 1976-2005: 30

Format: Stamps are issued in books of 20. From 1976-1984 stamps were issued in blocks of four. The format changed in 1985 to a pane of 2 with a tab attached at the left. Serial numbers are on the front except from 1979-1985 where the number can be found on the back.

First Issued: 1972

Usual month of issue: December (for the following year)

Destruction policy: March after expiration date

Number of collector stamps 1972-2005: 34

Hunter stamp issued in 1990

Format: In 1972, the first Iowa stamp was issued in booklet panes of 5. Books of 10 were issued from 1973 to date. Large sheets were printed from 1986 to 1988 in conjunction with the habitat and fish stamps (center blocks from these large sheets contain all three varieties). Issues from 1986-1988 exist with gutters. Iowa stamps have no serial numbers except for the 1990 and 1991 issues. The 1990 hunter stamp has serial numbers #26,001-80,000.

In 1999, the Iowa stamps was no longer required for hunting.  The stamps were issued without the name of the state or denomination

Worth Mentioning: Many early issues exists imperforate and may be proofs or printers waste rather than errors.

First Issued: 1987

Usual month of issue: September

Destruction policy: Year after issue

Number of collector stamps 1987-2004: 18 (series ended in 2004)

Number of hunter stamps 1987-1991: 5

Format: The stamps of 1987 were printed in sheets of 10. The collector series exists with serial numbers on the front and without plate numbers. Hunter stamps from 1987 exist in books of 10 and books of 20. Stamps with a "DD" prefix to the serial number come from books of 10. Stamps with a "SS" prefix to the serial number come form books of 20. 1988 collector stamps were issued in sheets of 30 with a plate number in the upper left margin. 1989 & 1990 collector stamps were issued in sheets of 30 with plate numbers in all four corners and serial numbers on the front. 1991 collector stamps were issued in sheets of 30 (these stamps were rouletted) with one plate number in the lower right corner and no serial numbers on the stamps. 1992-1996 collector stamps were issued in sheets of 30 with no margin markings or serial numbers on the stamps. Starting in 1997, the format changed to a sheet of ten self-sticking stamps with a single plate number in the lower left. This new type of stamp is a basic one-color drawing rather multicolored. Hunter stamps from 1988-1991 were issued in books of 10. Stamps from 1988-1990 have serial numbers on the front. 1991 stamps are unnumbered.

Worth Mentioning: Hunter stamps were discontinued after 1991 when the state turned over their stamp program to their publisher. This was seen as a cost cutting measure.

First Issued: 1985

Usual month of issue: January

Destruction policy: Year after issue

Number of stamps 1985-2005: 21

Format: Stamps from 1985-1995 were printed in books of 10 consisting of two panes of 5. The stamps have tabs attached to the left. Beginning in 1996, stamps were issued in sheets of 30 with a plate number.

Worth Mentioning: Part of the "O" of NO. is missing in the serial numbers of the 1985, 1986 and 1988 stamps due to plate flaws. These make interesting additions to your collection. Stamps from 1985 come in many different shades of green.

First Issued: 1989

Usual month of issue: May

Destruction policy: December following expiration date

Number of stamps 1989-2005: 34

Governor stamps issued in 1989 signed and unsigned

Format: Resident and Non-resident stamps are issued in sheets of 30 with plate numbers in the margins of all four corners. For some of the later years, matching serial numbers are available.

Worth Mentioning: The Legislature increased the price of the Non-Resident stamp from $13.50 to $25.00 two weeks after the stamps were issued in 2000.  Very few stamps were sold at the lower rate.

First Issued: 1984

Usual month of issue: September

Destruction policy: June following issue date

Number of stamps 1984-2005: 22

Format: Stamps from 1984-1995 are printed in sheets of 10 with plate numbers in the margins of all four corners. Serial numbers are on the face of each stamp. There are no serial numbers or plate numbers from 1996 to date.

Worth Mentioning: The 1985 Maine was the first state duck stamp to picture a lighthouse. By the time lighthouse collectors became aware of this fact, the stamp was long off sale. This is one of the reasons this stamp costs more than others of this series.

First Issued: 1974

Usual month of issue: August

Destruction policy: Three years after expiration date

Number of stamps 1974-2005: 32

Format: Stamps from 1974-1992 were printed in sheets of 10 with numbered tabs at the right or left. In 1993, the format was changed. The stamps were issued in a book of 500 comprised of 100 panes of 5. The serial number tab is printed on the bottom, there is selvedge on the top and a color bar is located on the margin of the left stamp.

Worth Mentioning: Early Maryland stamps exist in many different color shades and varieties. Many of these varieties can be obtained for a relatively small premium.  

First Issued: 1974

Usual month of issue: December (for the following year)

Destruction policy: Stamps for sale only in the year of issue, then destroyed.

Number of stamps 1974-2005: 32

Format: Stamps are issued in books of 24 consisting of two sheets of 12 (3x4). No serial numbers are on the stamps. Plate number markings exist only on stamps from 1988-1991. Other years have no markings.

Worth Mentioning: The early Massachusetts stamps are usually found with at least one straight edge as 8 of the 12 stamps per pane exist that way. A 20% premium is charged for stamps that are fully perforated if that issue is one with straight edges.

First Issued: 1976

Usual month of issue: March

Destruction policy: The following March

Number of stamps 1976-2005: 30

Format: Stamps were issued in sheets of 10 from 1976-1994, however the appearance has changed over the years. The 1976 stamps are issued with two rows of five separated by a large margin. There is a "Waterfowl Stamp" heading in the center section. The 1977 stamps are formatted similarly to the 1976 except the stamp numbers are located in the center section making it possible to collect a plate single. Stamps from 1978-1980 have tabs in this center section. 1981 stamps have a smaller gutter between the rows of stamps and a bottom section with blank boxes for agents to fill in when a stamp is sold. 1982 stamps are arranged with two rows of three on top of two rows of two. The year, state name and denomination are located to the right of the rows of two. 1983-1986 stamps are very similar as the 1982 except the name is towards the bottom. 1987-1989 stamps have the two rows of two on top and the two rows of three on the bottom. The State name and year are located in the upper right. 1990-1994 stamps also have an additional line with the sheet ending number. Beginning in 1995, stamps were issued in sheets of 15 with the name Michigan Waterfowl centered above the top three stamps.

Worth Mentioning: Proofs and essays from 1983-1985 do not have any serial numbers Some of these are die cut and others are imperforate. These make interesting additions to your collection.

First Issued: 1977

Usual month of issue: March

Destruction policy: One year after issue date

Number of stamps 1977-2005: 29

Format: Stamps from Minnesota were issued in panes of 10 (5x2) from 1977 to 1986. Beginning in 1987, stamps were placed into books of 10 (2x5) with long tabs on the left side and plate numbers on the right side. Serial numbers are on the back of each stamp and also on the tab from 1987 on. Starting in  2000, the  stamps are peel and stick on a medium sized form.

Worth Mentioning: Interesting serial number variations can be found on the 1977 issue. Different font styles are used on the same sheet of stamps.

First Issued: 1976

Usual month of issue: August

Destruction policy: The following June

Number of stamps issued 1976-2005: 30

Governors stamps issued 1990, 1992-1995 signed only

Format: The 1976 stamp is actually a computer card with a picture of a duck on the right hand third of the card. Beginning in 1977, stamps were issued in sheets of 10. Stamps issued from 1977-1989 are rouletted and from 1990 perforated. Stamps issued since 1990 have selvedge all around with a plate number on the lower right margin. All stamps have a serial number on the front.

Worth Mentioning: The stamps of 1985 are a little larger in size due to different printing methods. The normal stamp has a small tab at the left of the stamp with a silver bar. A serial number under the silver bar is different than the serial number on the face of the stamp. The most common variety that year has no silver bar, with the serial number vertically placed at the left. The variety with no silver bar and the serial number horizontal is the scarcest variety.

Governor stamps from Mississippi have no special writing on them. The only distinction from other stamps aside from the signature is the serial numbers. Stamps must have serial numbers between 5001 and 5250 to be official. The majority of the 1990 and 1992 stamps were sold with prints.

First Issued: 1979

Usual month of issue: August

Destruction policy: December following the expiration year

Number of stamps issued 1979-1996: 18 (series ended in 1996)

Governor stamps issued 1990-1995 signed and unsigned

Format: Stamps from 1979-1995 were issued in books of 10 consisting of two panes of 5. Each stamp has a tab attached to the left with straight edges to the right. Stamps from 1996 were issued in sheets of 30 with no marginal markings.

Worth Mentioning: All signed and most unsigned Governor stamps sold by the state have been folded where the tab and stamp connect. They have also been torn out of the book and are missing the left margin tab.

The series ended after the 1996 series.

First Issued: 1986

Usual month of issue: March (Hunter stamps are sold to collectors the following February)

Destruction policy: The following February

Number of collector stamps issued 1986-2003: 18 (series stopped in 2003)

Number of hunter stamp issued 1986-2001: 16

Governor stamp issued in 1989 signed and unsigned

Format: Collector stamps are issued in sheets of 30 with plate number in each corner. Hunter stamps are issued in books of 10 (5 pairs) with selvedge on the right and left. There is a large tab attached to the top pair. Serial numbers are on the front of all stamps.

Worth Mentioning: In 1992 a constant plate error occurs on the 12th stamp and is found in the upper right plate block. One of the wood ducks has a green head thus known as the Green Headed Hen variety.

Hunter stamps are collected in pairs so they can easily be distinguished from the collector variety. The first Montana hunter pair is one of the scarcest state duck stamps to obtain.  The hunter (booklet) series ended with the 2001 stamp.

First Issued: 1991

Usual month of issue: July

Destruction policy: None

Number of stamps issued 1991-1995, 2006: 5 (no stamps issued from 1996-2005))

Governor stamps issued 1991 signed only

Format: Stamps are issued in sheets of 10 with margins all around. Plate numbers are located in all four corners. Stamps are individually numbered on the front.

Worth Mentioning: Governor signed stamps are regular stamps with the Governor's signature. Special souvenir cards have been issued each year in conjunction with the stamps and are all available.

The series was discontinued after the 1995 season and restarted for the 2006 season.  

Habitat stamps have been issued from 1979 and although don't always feature waterfowl stamps were required for waterfowl hunting.

First Issued: 1979

Usual month of issue: October

Destruction policy: Two years after expiration (hunter stamps one year)

Number of collector stamps issued 1979-2005: 27

Hunter stamps first issued: 1989

Number of hunter stamps issued 1989-2005: 17

Format: Stamps are issued in books of 20 consisting of five panes of four. All stamps have a tab attached to the left of the stamp. Beginning in 1986 a small gutter was placed between the stamps.

Hunter stamps (serial numbers above 50,000) were sold only through sporting goods dealers in the state and were not made available through the state office until 1993.

Worth Mentioning: In 1979 proof sheets were produced. These stamps have large margins on each side of the stamp and no serial numbers. The complete sheet of four has color markings on the bottom.

Many different color shades exist on the majority of Nevada stamps. Some of the most dramatic however are on the 1988 stamps.

First Issued: 1983

Usual month of issue: August

Destruction policy: The following March

Number of collector stamps issued 1983-2005: 23

Number of hunter stamps issued 1983-2005: 23

Governor stamps issued 1987-1991 signed and unsigned

Governor stamps issued 1992-1997 signed only

Format: Collector stamps are issued in sheets of 30 with margins on all sides. There were no marginal markings on stamps prior to 1992. Beginning in 1992, a plate number was placed on the lower left margin.

Hunter stamps are issued as single stamps in books of ten. Each stamp has a numbered tab (except for 1990 which has an unnumbered tab) attached to the stamp and a small margin tab attached to the tab.

Worth Mentioning: Hunter stamps must have all three parts. Stamps without these tabs sell for considerably less.

The state took over the publication of their governor stamps in 1992 and issued only 120 signed stamps (25 sold with prints). The 1992 and 1993 stamps are key items for the governor stamp collection.

First Issued: 1984

Usual month of issue: July

Destruction policy: December following the expiration year

Number of collector stamps issued 1984-2005: 45

Number of hunter stamps issued 1984-2005: 39

Governor stamps issued 1989, 1993 signed and unsigned

Format: Stamps for collectors, both resident and non-resident, are issued in sheets of 30 with plate numbers in the margins of all four corners. Hunter stamps are issued in books of 30 consisting of three panes of 10. All hunter stamps have at least one straight edge (except for some 1989 stamps).

Serial numbers are on the front of all stamps.

Worth Mentioning: In 1991 New Jersey issued their stamp and noticed the name of the duck was spelled "Brandt" instead of "Brant". The stamps were reissued with the correct spelling and groups of the four stamps; all with matching serial numbers were made available. There is a consistent plate flaw on the lower right plate single on the error stamps (error on an error). In 1996, the face value of the stamps was changed. After the season, the $2.50 stamp that was not used do to the price increase was made available to the public.

In 2000 a resident sheet stamp was overprinted "Disabled Veteran No Fee."  These stamps were given to Disabled Veterans during the season.  After the season was over in July 2001, the stamps were made available to collectors for the face value.  In 2002, two different resident stamps were overprinted.  One said "Disabled Veteran No Fee" and the other said  "955V."  

Souvenir cards were first issued by New Jersey in 1991. These are available with a set of matching serial numbered stamps.

Commemorative miniature sheet of four, both resident and non-resident and governor stamps were issued to mark the 10th anniversary of the New Jersey duck stamp. These were sold at a premium by the state.

First issued: 1991

Usual month of issue: August

Destruction policy: Year after issue

Number of collector stamps issued 1991-1994: 7 (series ended in 1994)

Number of hunter stamps issued 1991-1994: 7 (series ended in 1994)

Governor stamps issued 1991-1993 signed and unsigned

Format: Stamps for collectors are issued in sheets of 30 with plate numbers in all four corner margins.

Hunter stamps are issued in books of 20 consisting of five panes of four. The stamps have a tab attached to the bottom of the stamp (the stamps are horizontal in the book so appears to be on the left).

Worth Mentioning: Commemorative mini sheets of four with decorative borders were issued in 1993 both perforated and imperforate. These mini sheets are also available with Governor signatures. The 1994 stamps were issued in a block of four with four different designs making a single picture. Mini sheets with decorative borders were also issued perforated and imperforate.

Imperforate proofs without serial numbers exist on the 1991 and 1992 issues.

The series ended after the 1994 issues.

First issued: 1985

Usual month of issue: March

Destruction policy: Three years after issue year (price goes up after one year)

Number of stamps issued 1985-2002: 18 (series ended in 2002)

Format: Stamps are issued in sheets of 30 with plate numbers in the margins of all four corners. The sheet size for 1985-1988 issues was five rows of six stamps while from 1989 on are six rows of five stamps.

Worth Mentioning: In 1990 "sample" stamps which have two black lines in the upper right hand corner of the stamp were produced and distributed to many collectors to advertise their duck program. Sample stamps were made from other years as well but were not as widely distributed.

First issued: 1983

Usual month of issue: July

Destruction policy: December after the expiration date

Number of collector stamps issued 1983-2005: 23

Number of hunter stamps issued 1997-2005: 9

Format: Stamps are issued in sheets of 30 with plate numbers in the margins of all four corners. Hunter stamps are die-cut peel and stick variety individually numbered with large margins on all four sides.

Worth Mentioning: Stamps were not required to hunt ducks until 1988. In 1989, North Carolina began picturing lighthouses in the background on their stamps.

First issued: 1982

Usual month of issue: June

Destruction policy: December three years after being issued (hunter stamps same as year issued)

Number of collector stamps issued 1982-2001: 20

Number of hunter stamps issued 1982-2005: 24

Format: Stamps for collectors are issued in sheets of 30 with margins on all sides. A plate number and color bars exist on the 1982 issue. Stamps from 1983 on have plate numbers in all four corner margins. Hunter stamps are issued in books of 10 consisting of two panes of five. The stamps from 1982 and 1983 have selvedge on both sides. Stamps from 1984 on have straight edges on both sides of the stamps.

Worth Mentioning: Collector stamps from 1982 with serial numbers under 20,000 were produced for prints. These stamps sell for less than the normal collector stamp that has serial numbers over 150,000. Collector stamps from 1983 with serial numbers larger in size were sold with prints and usually sell for more than the regular stamp.  Due to a major fire, no pictorial duck stamp was issued in 2002. The only stamp from 2002 was a text booklet type stamp.  These stamps were provided to all new issue subscribers.

The first four hunter stamps from North Dakota are the scarcest of all the hunter issues.

Hunter stamps from 1982 and 1983 without selvedge on both sides sells for less than 10% of the regular price.

First issued: 1982

Usual month of issue: August

Destruction policy: December following the expiration year

Number of stamps issued 1982-2005: 24

Format: Stamps for collectors are issued in sheets of 16 with plate numbers located on the right and left margins. The State name, Governors name, Artists name, Division of wildlife chief, and Dept. of Natural Resources director's name are located in the margin above the top row of stamps. There are no serial numbers on individual stamps.  Beginning in 2000, the format changed.  The stamp was part of a mini sheet the size of a dollar bill.  

Worth Mentioning: Some collectors request a top row of four for their collections to show all the different names.

First issued: 1980

Usual month of issue: July

Number of collector stamps issued 1980-2005: 26

Destruction policy: June one year after expiration year

Hunter stamps first issued: 1989

Number of hunter stamps issued 1989-1999: 11

Governor stamps issued in 1989 signed and unsigned

Format: Stamps from 1980-1982 were issued in books of 10 with no margin markings. In 1983 the format was changed to a book of five with selvedge on both sides of the stamp. From 1984-1988 stamps were issued in books of five with tabs attached on the left (1984-1985 stamps have three part tabs). From 1989 on, sheets of 30 with margins have been produced. Hunter stamps from 1989 on are in books of 5 with tabs attached on the left.

Worth Mentioning: Stamps issued in 1988 with serial numbers 30,001-40,000 were issued in panes of five without being stapled into booklets. Many tabs were torn off of these stamps making remaining tabbed stamps sell for a premium.

First issued: 1984

Usual month of issue: July (December for 2001 & 2002)

Destruction policy: June following issue date

Number of collector stamps issued 1984-2005: 21

Hunter stamps first issued: 1985

Number of hunter stamps issued 1985-1999: 15

Non-resident stamps first issued: 1994

Number of non-resident stamps issued 1994-1999: 6

Governor stamp issued 1993 signed, unsigned and imperforate.

Format: Stamps for collectors are issued in sheets of 30 with plate numbers in all four corner margins. Starting in 1995 in addition to the sheet stamp, an individual stamp in a booklet became available to collectors.

Oregon became the second state to issue a stamp in a vertical format with their 1993 stamp. (Wyoming was the first in 1984). Hunter stamps from Oregon have had more format changes than any other state. Stamps from 1985-1987 were issued in books of 25 consisting of five panes of five. Each stamp has a long tab attached to the left of the stamp and a small margin tab attached to the left of that. The stamps of 1988-1990 were issued in books of 25 single stamps. These booklet singles have large borders on all four sides of the stamp. Stamps from 1991 have straight edges on all sides. The margin tab on this stamp is attached to a narrow plain piece of paper. The stamps of 1992-1994 are the peel and stick style and attached to a large card with boxes to fill in the hunter's name, address, etc. From 1995-1999, a non-resident hunter stamp (with a $25 face value) good for waterfowl and upland game was issued in a booklet with selvedge on all four sides.

Worth Mentioning: In 1989 due to a printing delay, temporary stamps were produced to accommodate hunters. These stamps are the size of a computer address label and actually have two separate serial numbered parts. The seal of Oregon Fish & Wildlife is pictured on each part. The state ordered 15,000 stamps, which came in with black serial numbers. Additional stamps were needed and when the second batch arrived, the serial numbers were printed with red ink. Fewer stamps with red serial numbers exist, however many more of these were sold to collectors than the stamps with black serial numbers. These are important items to add to your collection.

Oregon became the first state to issue a commemorative mini sheet featuring not only the waterfowl stamp, but an upland bird stamp se-tenant (side by side) with decorative border. The reason for this special edition was to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Fish & Game department. 1500 of these sheets were produced. 200 imperforate mini sheets were also issued.

Oregon issued an imperforate Governor's edition. Only 100 of these were issued making this a very scarce issue.

First issued: 1983

Usual month of issue: June

Destruction policy: December two years after expiration date

Number of stamps issued 1983-2005: 23

Format: Stamps are issued in sheets of 10 with margins on all four sides. 1983 and 1984 issues have one plate number on the lower left margin. Issues from 1985 to date have an additional plate number on the upper right margin as well. Individual stamps have no serial numbers.

Worth Mentioning: These stamps are not required to hunt.

First issued: 1989

Usual month of issue: July

Destruction policy: August following expiration date

Number of collector stamps issued 1989-2005: 17

Number of hunter stamps issued 1989-2005: 17

Governor stamp issued 1989-1992 signed and unsigned

Governor stamp issued 1993-1997 signed only

Format: Stamps for collectors are issued in sheets of 30 with plate numbers in all four corner margins. Beginning in 1999, stamps were rouletted with plate numbers in all four corners.

Hunter stamps are issued in books of 10 consisting of two panes of five. Tabs are attached to the left side of the stamp. Starting in 1999, the stamps were rouletted with a plate number on the top.  The 2000 stamp has the word "hunter" printed on the stamp

Worth Mentioning: Commemorative mini sheets of four were issued in 1993 both perforated and imperforate. These mini sheets are also available with Governor signatures.

Imperforate proofs without serial numbers exist for 1991-1994.

First issued: 1981

Usual month of issue: July

Destruction policy: March following issue date

Number of collector stamps issued 1981-2005: 25

Hunter stamps first issued: 1982

Number of hunter stamps issued 1982-1998: 17

Governor stamp issued 1990 signed and unsigned

Format: Stamps for collectors are issued in sheets of 30 with plate numbers in all four corner margins.

There are no serial numbers on the stamps. Hunter stamps from 1982-1991 were issued in sheets of 30 with margins on the top and bottom only. Serial numbers are on the reverse. From 1992, hunter stamps were printed with the serial numbers on the front. The stamps of 1993 were the first to be issued with margins on all four sides. No plate numbers were printed and the serial number was printed on the front.

Worth Mentioning: The 1983 stamp usually comes poorly centered. Copies with this type of centering generally sell for quite a bit less than well-centered copies.

First issued: 1976

Usual month of issue: January

Destruction policy: None

Number of stamps issued 1976-2005: 23

Format: Stamps are issued in Books of 20 consisting of four booklet panes of five. Stamps have serial numbers on the front. In 1999, the face value was raised to $3.00 and the stamp changed to self adhesive attached to a receipt type paper.

Worth Mentioning: Pictorial duck stamps were not issued between 1979 and 1985. Many hunters purchased a pheasant stamp which enabled them to hunt all small game.

The 1976 stamp exists with a small serial number on one stamp. Many color varieties exist on the 1977 and 1988 stamps.

Usual month of issue: February

Destruction policy: December following the year of issue

Number of stamps issued 1979-1996, 1999-2005: 27

Format: Stamps are issued with a peel and stick image on a license card. A serial number is on the front of the stamp. Beginning in 1999, a perforated stamp issued in a sheet of 30 and face value of $10.00 was issued.  The design is a winner of the Junior Duck Stamp contest.

Worth Mentioning: Non-resident stamps were issued in 1979 and 1980. These are among the scarcest stamps in the collector series. Due to the high face value at the time, collectors didn't stock up on them.

The Tennessee stamp comes in two versions, with and without computer printing on the card. The two varieties have an interesting history. In 1986, the first 3000 Tennessee stamps arrived from the publisher with smeared ink and the numbers blurred on the cards (probably a result of not using fast drying ink). Many of the stamps also had bent corners. Since these were the stamps reserved for the prints, they were unacceptable. (A hunter may not care if the numbers are blurred on their stamps, but a print or stamp collector certainly does!) These stamps were rejected and new stamps without printing on the cards were ordered. The stamps without computer printing on the cards are known as artist reserve stamps; stamps that may be used for prints and artist signatures. Tennessee feels that there is no difference between the two types of "stamps." In fact, the only difference between the stamps is the serial number (the first 3000 of 1986 and the first 5000 of 1987 to date are unprinted). Collectors, however, realize that there are other obvious differences. The Tennessee stamp is collected on a card, either one, two, or three parts. Each part of the card has computer-generated printing on it. The right part of the three part card sold to collectors and hunters has the stamps serial number printed above the stamp preceded by a "50" (1988 cards don't have this number). The middle part of the card carries the license number, agent number, license cost, fee, total cost, and expiration date, all of which are filled in by the computer. When the stamp is sold to a hunter, a clerk fills out the card with the purchaser's name, address, birth date, and when issued. The agent either stamps or writes the name of the establishment on the line marked "issuing agent" and gives it to the consumer to sign. This same information is requested on the left part of the form that the agent retains. A duck hunter in Tennessee is required to purchase this stamp in addition to purchasing a hunting license.

Fewer than 125 full three-part cards of the 1980 stamp exist. As the first example of this type of stamp, it is highly recommended for your collection. Less than 12 full three-part cards of the 1981 card exists and is very seldom offered for sale.

The stamp series ended after the 1996 season.

First issued: 1981

Usual month of issue: August

Destruction policy: August one year after expiration date

Number of stamps issued 1981-2005: 25

Format: Stamps from 1981-1995 are issued in booklets of 10 consisting of one sheet of stamps with straight edges around the edges. Serial numbers are on the front of each stamp. Starting in 1996, the waterfowl stamp was issued in a book with seven other fish and game stamps. It is not possible to purchase just a duck stamp. The face value of the book is $20.00, but was available at a discount to quantity buyers. The stamps from 1996 on are not required.

First issued: 1986

Usual month of issue: September

Destruction policy: June following issue date

Number of collector stamps issued 1986-1997: 13

Hunter stamps first issued: 1991

Number of hunter stamps issued 1991-1995: 5

Governor stamp issued 1991-1997 signed only

Format: Stamps from 1986-1996 for collectors were issued in sheets of 30 with plate numbers in all four corner margins. In 1997 a se-tenant pair of redheads were issued in a sheet containing 60 stamps (30 pairs). Collectors could not purchase a single stamp.

Hunter stamps are issued in books of 10 consisting of two panes of five. Stamps have a tab attached to the left. Serial numbers are on the front of all stamps.

Utah discontinued issuing stamps after 1997.

First issued: 1986

Usual month of issue: September

Destruction policy: June following issue date

Number of stamps issued 1986-2005: 16

Format: Stamps from 1986-1995 for collectors are issued in sheets of 30 with plate numbers in all four corner margins. Beginning in 1996, there were no marginal markings. There are no serial numbers on the stamps.

First issued: 1988

Usual month of issue: July

Destruction policy: One year after expiration date

Number of collector stamps issued 1988-2005: 18

Number of hunter stamps issued 1988-1995: 8

Format: Stamps for collectors are issued in sheets of 30 with plate numbers in all four corner margins.

Hunter stamps are issued in books of 20 consisting of two panes of 10 with margins on all sides and plate numbers on the bottom of each pane. Serial numbers are on the front of each stamp.

Worth Mentioning: 1988-1995 Hunter stamps from Virginia are normally collected in pairs. From 2000-2004, stamps with four different prefixes were issued. These are "A","B","M" and "S." In 2005, these same letters were used as suffixes.  A die cut peel and stick stamp was issued as well as a booklet stamp with a tab attached.

First issued: 1986

Usual month of issue: July

Destruction policy: March following the year of issue

Number of collector stamps issued 1986-2005: 21

Number of hunter stamps issued 1986-2005: 21

Format: Stamps for collectors are issued in sheets of 30 with plate numbers in all four corner margins.

Hunter stamps are issued in books of 25 consisting of individual mini sheets. Two staples in the top selvedge attach these mini sheets. In 1991, 1000 mini sheets were issued without these staple holes for collectors. Only 850 were issued in 1992 and 2000 from 1993-1998. Serial numbers are on the front of the 1986-1992 issues and on the back from 1993 on.  Starting in 2001, the format changed to the size of a dollar bill and comes in an envelope.

Worth Mentioning: In 1991 a $5.00 stamp was issued and distributed just as it had been doing since 1986. The day the stamps went on sale, the Governor signed a bill raising the license fees 20%. New stamps were printed with the new face value. Both stamps were sold for $6.00 each fifteen days after the bill was signed. The Washington mini sheets without staple holes are actually collector type stamps, as these were not sold to hunters. If you don't have these items, they are a recommended addition to your collection.  For a more comprehensive article on the Washington mini sheets without staple holes, click here.

First issued: 1987

Usual month of issue: January

Destruction policy: Two years after issue date (price hike in March of year one)

Number of collector stamps issued 1987-1996: 20

Number of hunter stamps issued 1987-1996: 20

Governor stamp issued 1989 signed and unsigned

Format: Stamps for collectors are issued in sheets of 30 with plate numbers in all four corner margins.

There are no serial numbers on collector stamps. Hunter stamps are issued in booklet panes of five with straight edges on the sides and bottom (the 1989 issues exist with perforations). Starting in 1988 a plate number appears on the top selvedge of the strip. Beginning in 1990 serial numbers are on the front. 1988 stamps were also issued with serial numbers on the back.

Worth Mentioning: In 1991 a special commemorative sheet of six featuring 3 resident and 3 non-resident stamps was issued to raise money for the Ohio River National Wildlife Refuge. The stamps are overprinted with an "OR". The sheets are individually numbered, as are the stamps. This is the first se-tenant duck stamp. Imperforate mini sheets were issued as well.

In 1988, the duck stamps were not ready, so a waterfowl stamp certificate was prepared. The purchaser was able to trade this certificate in for a stamp at any authorized agent.

West Virginia stopped issuing stamps after 1996.

First issued: 1978

Usual month of issue: April

Destruction policy: None

Number of stamps issued 1978-2005: 28

Format: Stamps from 1978 and 1979 were issued in panes of 10 with a plate number in the selvedge on the left. 1980 and 1981 were issued in panes of 10 with plate number on each stamp. From 1982-2000, stamps from the left side of the pane have a tab and plate number attached to the stamp. The right side of the pane just has plate numbers. The stamps themselves don't have serial numbers.  Beginning in 2001, the stamps only have plate numbers on all stamps.

First issued: 1984

Usual month of issue: January

Destruction policy: December following the year of issue

Number of stamp issued 1984-2005: 22

Format: Stamps are issued in books of 100 consisting of 20 panes of 5 with straight edges on both sides and bottom. Stamps have serial numbers on the front.

Worth Mentioning: Although a duck is not pictured on all the stamps, this stamp is required to fish as well as hunt all small and big game.

First issued: 1992

Usual month of issue: July

Destruction policy: Same as Federal - 3 years after issue

Number of stamp issued 1992-2005: 15 (counting 1992 sheet as one issue)

Format: 1992 stamps were issued in sheets of 9 plus a label.   From 1993 on stamps were issued in sheets of 30 with plate numbers on all four corners.  The 1998 stamps have very small perforations.