This year's 2015-16 federal duck stamp is now available for electronic purchase by visiting the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov.

In addition, license vendors that are registered with the Game and Fish Department's licensing system can sell the electronic duck stamp, as does the department's instant licensing telephone number, 800-406-6409. Physical stamps are not available at North Dakota license vendors this year, but they can still be purchased at many U.S. Postal Service offices.

Game and Fish licensing manager Randy Meissner said the electronic stamp is a purchase item like any other hunting or fishing license.

"When the purchase is completed the electronic stamp is valid immediately," Meissner said. "The words 'Federal Duck Stamp' will be printed on the license certificate, along with an expiration date 45 days from the date of purchase. The actual physical stamp will be sent by postal mail."

Meissner said the physical stamp is processed and sent by the official duck stamp vendor in Texas, and should arrive to the individual buyer well before the expiration date printed on the electronic license. The physical stamp must remain in possession of the hunter after the 45-day electronic stamp has expired. Individuals who have questions regarding the status of their physical stamp can contact the federal duck stamp vendor customer service number at 800-852-4897.

This year's federal duck stamp has a fee of $25, up from $15 last year. In addition, there is another $1.50 added to cover shipping and handling costs of the actual physical stamp. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the duck stamp price increase is the first in 24 years, the longest single period without an increase in the program's history.