Interior Secretary Ken Salazar unveiled a special edition Duck Stamp Cachet that would help fund conservation efforts in the gulf. Less you too are unaware what a duck stamp cachet is, MT_Guy will try to explain. Apparently since the Dust Bowl of the 1930's destroyed wetland habitat across the country, the Federal Government has developed and sold a "chachet" of duck stamps each year to hunters, stamp collectors, and other folks who love duck stamps. All told, the program has raised more than $750 million and bought and conserved more than 5.3 million acres of waterfowl habitat.
All migratory bird hunters have to buy a $15 Federal Duck Stamp (presumably to add to their stamp collection) in addition to their state licenses and fees. This year's special edition stamp costs $10 more than the regular one, with the extra proceeds going to purchase wetland habitat along the Gulf Coast. Regular stamps are still available for all you cheap bastards out there.
Bass Pro Shops is underwriting the first edition of the cachet and will market it in its retail stores across the U.S. and Canada. Look for it right next to a dictionary that will help hunters learn the definition and proper pronunciation of "cachet."
If you're not a hunter but want to help, you can buy the Federal Duck Stamp cachet at www.duckstamp.com or by calling 1.800.853.4897.
