No matter where you are, the flooding in Iowa, Indiana, Michigan and Missouri should be no secret. Not since 1993, has river water been as high and more levies failed. The one indicator that this year's flooding isn't as bad as '93 is that, back then, shipments of bags for sand bagging were coming in from Third-World countries we traditionally send aid to. It was gratifying they tried to return the favor or our generosity.

There's precious little good that comes from any extent of flooding. For humans I can think of none — especially economic. The only animals that might find solace in the vast new bodies of water covering thousands of acres of agricultural land might be migrating waterfowl. The fact is, many of the areas inundated by floodwaters are in the direct flyways ducks and geese navigate on their way to and from Canada and the southern United States and Mexico. For them, this could be heaven.

This time of year, the primary people looking for waterfowl are naturalists and conservationists. Hunting season isn't until late fall, so the birds can rest easy. In the past, many times they sadly couldn't. Not because of hunting but by virtue of the destruction of diminished wetlands.

In one of the wisest moves of the U.S. government, the Federal Duck program was instituted 75 years ago to protect, enhance and expand wetlands. Since the inception of "duck stamps" in 1934, their sales have generated more than $670 million to help acquire over 5.2 million acres of habitat. All the lands are protected in the National Wildlife Refuge System. But, it goes further. Other birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and endangered or threatened species breed, feed and thrive in these areas.

Ever since the first stamp — designed by noted wildlife enthusiast Ding Darling — was issued, hunters and nature lovers have flocked to purchase the annually issued stamps. OK, admittedly, some 75 years ago, there was pronounced grumbling by hunters fearing government intervention in their sport. Not a great many of the stamps were produced or sold. For today's collectors, that's great. The surviving stamps from 1934 and '35 are worth hundreds and even thousands of dollars.

The modern duck stamps are printed and sold in far greater amounts. But those numbers still pale in comparison to any other stamps. Moreover, the designs on duck stamps are nothing short of phenomenal. The annual contest among nature artists is fervent. Only the very best even dare compete.

For the 75th anniversary, a painting of two Pintail Ducks created by veteran wildlife artist Joseph Hautman won out and is featured on the stamp. The mastery of his illustration is so high it's hard to tell if it's a painting or a picture — yet another reason why the oversized stamps are so popular.

With a face value of $15 the stamp is admittedly not cheap. But, with fully 98 cents of every dollar spent on the stamps going to benefit waterfowl conservation, everyone (especially hunters) recognizes their importance and embraces their value. Best of all, because the stamps are available only for a limited time and those not sold are destroyed after several years, the collector value remains one of the highest of any stamp issued.

The new stamps went on sale at post offices and many sporting goods suppliers last week. While they're available it's a given hunters and conservationists will join collectors in the hunt for them.

*Editor's Note: A JPEG visual of the 2008 Migratory Waterfowl "Duck Stamp" has been sent with this column.)

To find out more about Peter Rexford and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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