The Federal Duck Stamp program was conceived in 1934 with the introduction of the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act.  They are the only U.S. Federal conservation revenue stamp.  98% of the proceeds from the sale of the stamps are used for migratory bird preservation, obtaining habit and easements.  The Junior Duck Stamp program started in 1989 as part of the Federal program with 100% of its proceeds going to conservation education are not required and are therefore not considered a federal revenue stamp.

Federal Duck Stamps are not valid as postage stamps, they serve as a hunting license, conservation tool and free pass to the National Wildlife Refuges.  Waterfowl hunters, age 16 and over are required to purchase them.  They are good in any state, however hunters are still required to purchase the appropriate state licenses and stamps.  Many states issues their own migratory bird stamps.

From the 1934 introduction of the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act through 1997, 64 stamps were issued, one each year.

Beginning in 1998, a self-adhesive die cut version of each years stamp was added which introduced a second major stamp variety each year.

As of 2018 the total number of major variety Federal duck stamps is 106.

Most U.S. Stamp albums have pages for Federal duck stamps which are classified as back of the book stamps following the U.S. Postage and related stamp issues.

Current issue stamps can be purchased at many retail stores that sell outdoor recreational equipment, national wildlife refuges, online and through the USPS.

In addition to being the only conservation revenue stamp, the Federal Duck Stamp is also unique in the way the stamp is created. Each year, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service holds an art contest, the only juried art competition sponsored by the federal government. Any artist 18 years or older may enter, and the winning artist sees his or her work featured as the design on the following year’s Federal Duck Stamp.

The Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers lists the designers of every Federal Duck Stamp issue since 1934.