Photo courtesy of National Wildlife Refuge Foundation

Under the umbrella of President Bush’s proposed budget, there is a bill that would boost the Federal Duck Stamp price from $15 to $25.  The price hike would align the stamp’s price closer with the inflation that has occurred since the last price increase over 15 years ago.  Now, before you throw a fit and complain about more dollars coming out of your pocket, you should know where conservation organizations like Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever stand.  They state that the price increase is long overdue and that sportsmen will benefit from the increased funds available for wetland habitat restoration and conservation.  They have encouraged their members and other sportsmen to embrace the price hike.  Think about it this way.  If you use some of the new waterfowl ammunition, you might shoot $10 worth of shells at one passing flock of teal.  So, please don’t raise cain and do your part to conserve the future of wetlands and waterfowl hunting.