Minnesota

Surcharge Stamps

Hunters were required to purchase surcharge stamps in 1957 and 1971 in order to generate additional revenue for Minnesota Conservation Department projects, more specifically, the "acquisition and development of wildlife lands." The 1957 stamps were perforated 12 1/2 and printed in booklet panes of ten (2x5) with a 23 mm perforated selvage at the top. The selvage was imprinted "Minnesota Department of Conservation, Division of Game and Fish" and serial numbered in black. The left, right and bottom sides of the panes were straight-edged. The 1971 stamps were rouletted in color (black) 9 1/2 and printed in booklet panes of unknown size. Both issues have shiny gum. Hunters were not required to sign the stamps.

The 1971 Minnesota resident small game hunting license was printed in three parts and consisted of the license, a set of three small game shipping coupons and a report card. The reverse of the license portion was printed with a box for the federal waterfowl stamp and normally both the federal stamp and state surcharge stamp were affixed to it. Occasionally, the stamps were affixed to the reverse of the tags or report card portions. Such usages, while different and interesting, usually do not command a premium.