Wildlife management efforts performed by your Division of Wildlife (DOW) are not paid for by state taxes. The funds come from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses; federally administered taxes levied on various types of hunting, fishing, and outdoor equipment purchases; and disbursements from the Colorado Lottery through Great Outdoors Colorado. Hunters and anglers will continue to protect the resource through license and equipment purchases, but, with ever-increasing pressure on wildlife habitat, additional help is needed.

Recognizing that habitat loss is the single most significant cause of wildlife population decline in Colorado, a coalition of hunters, anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservationists proposed a program that would enable everyone to contribute to the protection of Colorado's wildlife habitat—for today, for tomorrow, and beyond. Presented to the state legislature, their idea evolved into the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program; revenue derived from the sale of habitat stamps to be dedicated to acquiring and preserving habitat.

Briefly explained, a Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp is automatically purchased with each DOW hunting or fishing license, at an additional cost of $5 per license, with an annual cap of $10. It can also be purchased, without buying a license, for $10.25 and includes the Colorado Search and Rescue fee. Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamps may be purchased wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold, online through the DOW Total Licensing System, or by calling 1-800/244-5613.

As part of the same program, and an appealing alternative for folks who don’t hunt or fish, there is another simple, direct way to help preserve Colorado's remarkable wildlife habitat. The Commemorative Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp, at a cost of just $10, is the way. The commemorative stamp is an attractive, collectible reproduction of the winning entry from the program's design contest. It's something you will be proud to display, demonstrating your passion for and commitment to Colorado's wildlife and habitat.

Make purchasing a Commemorative Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp your annual contribution to habitat preservation. A new design will be featured every year, making it a perfect gift choice year after year for family, for friends, or yourself! Limited-edition prints (suitable for framing), medallions, and stamps signed by the artist are also available. To learn more about purchasing commemorative stamps and prints, go to the Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation's Web site, or call 303/291-7212.