Federal Duck Stamp

A law was enacted to exempt qualified Alaska subsistence waterfowl hunters from having to purchase and carry a federal Duck Stamp.

Who is eligible for the exemption from the requirement to purchase a Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp to hunt migratory birds in Alaska?

  • permanent resident of a village within a subsistence harvest area (50 CFR Part 92.4 and 92.5), or
  • federally qualified subsistence user (50 CFR Parts 92.4 and 100.23)

When can an eligible person hunt migratory waterfowl without a Federal Duck Stamp?

The times when you may hunt without a Federal Duck Stamp vary depending on how you qualify for this exemption.

  • permanent resident of a village within a subsistence harvest area, you may hunt migratory waterfowl without a Federal Duck Stamp during any waterfowl season in Alaska, including spring/summer subsistence season and the fall sport season.
  • federally qualified subsistence user (but NOT a resident of a village within a subsistence harvest area) you may hunt migratory waterfowl without a Federal Duck Stamp in Alaska during the fall sport season.

Where can a qualified person hunt without a Federal Duck Stamp?

If you qualify for this exemption, you may hunt migratory waterfowl without a Federal Duck Stamp anywhere in Alaska in accordance with state law, including relevant safety statutes. You must have a Federal Duck Stamp to hunt migratory waterfowl anywhere else in the United States.

If a person is eligible for this exemption, does that person have to purchase and carry state-required licenses or stamps while hunting?

All waterfowl hunters over 16 years or older are required to have a State hunting license and State Duck Stamp, except disabled veterans, those 60 years or older and those that qualify for a low income license.