Bucks for Ducks or Money for Nothin : The Political Economy of the Federal Duck Stamp Program

1. Bucks for Ducks or Money for Nothin�?: The Political Economy of the Federal Duck Stamp Program Swope, Benjamin, and Anderson

2. 2 Federal Duck Stamp Program The Duck Stamp Program was set up as a user fee program to provide money for waterfowl habitat acquisition. The history of the Duck Stamp Program, however, reveals that it has been more expensive and less effective at conserving waterfowl habitat than might be suggested by the FWS.

3. 3 Why Has the Program Not Been More Successful? Two strands to the investigation: Consider the factors that have determined the program�s funding levels. How has the money been used? Examine the links between farm programs, farmland prices, and purchases of waterfowl habitat. Do farm programs help or hurt?

4. 4 General Findings Although farm interests played a key role in reinvigorating the DSP at a key junction, they have been the major impediment to habitat acquisition. The efforts of duck hunters to preserve habitat have been repeatedly thwarted by bureaucrats and politicians who have pursued other objectives.

5. 5 History of the Federal Duck Stamp Program The Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act was passed in 1934 to provide funding to purchase habitat, and pay for administrative and enforcement activities. The stamp cost $1 and was raised to $2 in 1949 at the request of duck hunters. Between 1934 and 1958 only 15% of the funds went to land acquisition.

6. 6 Duck Stamps 1934 Duck Stamp 1949 Duck Stamp