With the June 28 release of the 2013-2014 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, here are some factoids about the federal program from the Friends of the Migratory Bird/Duck Stamp.
- Robert Steiner of California won the 1997 contest for the 1998-1999 stamp. He pictured a Barrow's Goldeneye. He also won last year's contest, and the 2013-2014 stamp now displaying his rendition of a Common Goldeneye.
- John Ruthven's image of Redheads for the 1960-61 Stamp had a few errors: the drake was assisting the raising of the young, and the ducklings did not appear to have wings!
- The highest number of stamps sold in California was in the 1952-1953 year when there were 214,456 stamps sold in the Golden State.
- The official name of the stamp changed from the "Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp" to the "Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp" in 1977 to better reflect the full impact of the program and to encourage non-hunters (e.g., photographers and birders) to buy the stamp.
- There were 2,099 artwork submissions for the 1982-1983 stamp. This is the highest number of entries recorded.
- On 3 July 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed National Duck Stamp Week.
More at: http://www.friendsofthestamp.org
