Hunting permit stamps — or Duck stamps, as they are known to collectors — have been around since 1934. Federal duck stamps help raise funds for habitat acquisition and program support of National Wildlife Refuges. In the 1960s, appreciation certificates were produced by the Interior Department thanking collectors for their purchase of a duck stamp. These are considered the first "Duck Cards." From 1984 to 1987, several regional cards were released as Certificates of Appreciation. Starting in 1986, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service began selling cards for the public by mail and at major stamp shows; these are still sold every year. Soon after, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing launched a series of full-color duck cards, featuring enlargements of each year's stamp. These continued through 2000.

The SCCS originally listed these cards in four categories (FD, RD, BD, and ND), but to match the standard numbering used by most duck stamp dealers, we have now adopted a single, chronological system. Former SCCS catalog numbers are included to avoid confusion.

To display the full design of these cards, mint copies are shown, though many collectors affixed and cancelled duck stamps on the cards. Cancelled cards are shown in some cases when mint versions aren't available. Special thanks to Fred Geissler for compiling and scanning these cards with help from Ron Betz and Tyler Zimmerman. Most cards came from their personal collections.