Spectacled eider graces 2025-26 Federal Duck Stamp; shoveler shares stage for junior stamp

STUTTGART — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Postal Service, Ducks Unlimited and Bass Pro Shops today at Mack’s Prairie Wings to unveil the 2025-26 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp and begin sales of these conservation tools that have provided more than $1.2 billion for wetland and waterfowl habitat in the United States.

Adam Grimm of Wallace, South Dakota, won the 2024 Duck Stamp Art Contest, the only such art contest funded by the federal government. His work depicting a pair of spectacled eiders bested 238 other entries to be featured on this year’s official Federal Duck Stamp.

Grimm said he chose to paint spectacled eiders, a rarely seen waterfowl for most duck enthusiasts which is a large sea duck native to the Bering Sea and the Alaskan and Russian tundras, after visiting a friend who had two in a captive setting.

“While taking pictures of these birds, I just got this image in my head of these birds with evening golden light and if I can paint these in an Alaska wilderness with snow-capped mountains in the background, I just kind of thought this could win,” Grimm said.

After sharing his idea with family and friends, most of whom did not find the eiders as appealing as his second choice of hooded mergansers, Grimm made the decision and stuck with it.

“I started thinking, ‘Maybe I am crazy,’ but then I thought, ‘I’d rather win with a spectacled eider than lose with a hooded merganser,’” Grimm said.

The stamp may be purchased at hunting and fishing license dealers, some post offices and national wildlife refuges, and AGFC regional offices and nature centers. Hunters who purchase online will have an e-stamp receipt to carry while hunting and will receive their stamp at the conclusion of the 2025-26 waterfowl hunting seasons. The Federal Duck Stamp costs $25 if purchased in person and $29 if purchased as an e-stamp.

Sales of duck stamps since 1934 have raised more than $1.2 billion to conserve more than 6 million acres of wetland habitat on national wildlife refuges around the nation. The stamp is required for all migratory bird hunting except dove hunting. It also has a following of collectors among the ranks of birders and other outdoors enthusiasts who want to give back to conservation.

“Hunters are true conservationists, and the Duck Stamp is one of the many ways they contribute to conserving America’s waterfowl and wetlands throughout the country,” said USFWS Migratory Bird Program Assistant Director Jerome Ford. “Your purchase directly helps preserve millions of acres of beautiful American wetlands that are critical for waterfowl and other wildlife. Duck Stamps ensure future generations enjoy healthy bird populations.”

Texan Catheryn Liang also was celebrated at the ceremonial first day of sale as the winner of the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest. Her artwork captured the beauty of a drake northern shoveler, a species much more readily recognized by most Arkansas duck enthusiasts. The Junior Duck Stamp is available at the same locations as the Federal Duck Stamp for $5. Although it is not required for any hunting privileges, the program raises funds for conservation education at the state and local levels. More than $1.4 million has been generated since 1993 through sales of this additional collector’s stamp.

AGFC Director Doug Schoenrock spoke about the lasting effects sales of duck stamps have had, not only to wildlife, but to entire communities and states through the conservation of wetland habitat.

“The many programs touched through the national duck stamp program at national wildlife refuges impact hunters, fishermen, hikers, boaters, birdwatchers, private landowners and local communities,” Schoenrock said. “What an ingenious idea in 1934 to enlist the talent of our best artists — a program that continues to make history today with folks like Adam and Catheryn. I encourage you to get outside, and get outside often.”

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CUTLINES: 

UNVEILING THE STAMP
Stuttgart Acting Postmaster Dameon V. Shelton unveiled the 2025-26 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp in front of a packed house at Mack’s Prairie Wings Friday. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.

MEN WITH STAMP
Artist Adam Grimm (left) and AGFC Director Doug Schoenrock pose with a mockup of the 2025-26 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.

WOMAN WITH STAMP
Texas artist Catheryn Liang stands with her artwork of a northern shoveler, which is featured on the 2025-26 Junior Duck Stamp. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath