It takes a lot of work in some cases, but it’s usually well worth it. It’s one of the activities I look forward to every fall—duck hunting! With the duck season still some time off, I can’t help buck think about duck hunting in Katy, Texas, with the news that has just been released. It appears the 78th Federal Duck Stamp goes on sale June 24 with an official ceremony held at 9 a.m. at Bass Pro’s Outdoor World located in the Katy Mills Shopping Center in Katy.
The artists of this year’s duck stamps will be on hand to sign copies of their work. In addition, it is reported that Texas Parks and Wildlife Director Carter Smith will also attend the event. Speakers at the event include U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials and the Duck Stamp and Junior Duck Stamp artists. Of course, affiliated vendors will have items for sale before and after the ceremony.
Although it is usually referred to as a “duck stamp” the stamp began functioning as a federal migratory bird hunting and conservation product originally used to denote those with a federal license to hunt migratory waterfowl. Those that go ducking know that it’s needed, whether you are duck hunting in Katy, Port O’Conner or Port Arthur, you could face a hefty federal fine.
Today 98 cents out of every dollar raised by the stamps go toes the purchase or lease of wetlands around the country. This locks up valuable habitat and allows biologist to implement wetland habitat management for improved duck production. But wetlands are not just for ducks and geese. It is estimated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that one third of the nation’s threatened species live in these places. Since 1934 over $500 million has gone to over 5 million acres of wetland habitat. Something to think about as you buy your stamp and head out duck hunting!