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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Our History

Updated October 15, 2026

March 16, 1934 - The Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act was created. Commonly referred to as the "Duck Stamp Act" this law requires each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older to possess a valid Federal hunting stamp. The receipts from the sale of the stamp are deposited in a special Treasury account known as the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund and are not subject to appropriations.

August 1, 1958 - Congress officially created the Small Wetland Acquisition Program by amending the 1934 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act to allow proceeds from the sale of Federal Duck Stamps to be used to protect waterfowl habitat.

1964 - Initially founded as the Benson Wetland Management District

1981 - The district name was changed to the Morris Wetland Management District when the headquarters was moved to its current location

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