The Electronic Duck Stamp Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109-266), passed in August 2006, required that the Secretary of the Interior conduct a 3-year pilot program under which up to 15 States could be authorized to issue electronic Federal Duck Stamps, or E-Stamps. In August 2007, eight States began issuing the E-Stamps. More than 59,000 E-Stamps were sold the first year of the pilot program. The E-stamp is valid for 45 days from the date of purchase and can be used immediately while customers wait to receive the actual stamp in the mail. After 45 days, customers must carry the actual Federal Duck Stamp while hunting or to gain free access to national wildlife refuges. As expected, the electronic program increased the availability of Federal Duck Stamps, making it easier for the public to obtain the stamps and enhancing public participation. Under our authorities in 16 U.S.C. 718b(a)(2), we have continued the Electronic Duck Stamp Program in the eight States that participated in the pilot, and, in 2012, more than 350,000 stamps were sold.
In 2013, we plan to expand the program by inviting all State fish and wildlife agencies to participate. Anyone, regardless of State residence, may purchase an electronic Duck Stamp through any State that participates in the program. We will follow the same requirements as the pilot program. Interested States must submit an application (FWS Form 3-2341). We will use the information provided in the application to determine a State's eligibility to participate in the program. Eligible applicants are State fish and wildlife agencies that have an automated licensing system authorized under State law. Currently, 40 States offer Internet, point of sale, or telephonic sales for their hunting and fishing licenses and would qualify to sell E-Stamps. The application process will lead to the selection of up to 15 additional States to participate in the program. A State may not participate in the program unless it submits an application and the Secretary approves it. Participating States must report fulfillment information weekly.
US Code:
16 USC 718
Name of Law: Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act
PL: Pub.L. 109 - 266 5 Name of Law: Electronic Duck Stamp Act of 2005
This is a reinstatement of a previously approved collection. In 2007, we sought emergency approval for the application for the electronic duck stamp pilot program. We discontinued OMB Control No. 1018-0135, since only eight States applied to participate and we did not need to seek regular approval for the program. We are expanding the program and are reporting 946 annual responses totaling 1,336 annual burden hours as a program change.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.