Gallery Four
1962-1972 Lower Brule Stamps
Following the example set by the Rosebud and Crow Creek Sioux Tribes, in 1962 the Lower Brule Sioux became the third tribal government to issue fish and game stamps. Initially four different types of stamps were printed; deer, migratory waterfowl, predators and upland game birds. A fifth stamp for antelope was added in 1967. The same stamps were used for many subsequent years and were differentiated by manually filling in the fee and year date on lines printed at the bottom of the stamps. Separate fees were charged to tribal members and non tribal members. For waterfowl, it was $2.50 for tribal members and $5.00 for non tribal members. In the late 1960s, some venders around the reservation began to run low on their supply of waterfowl stamps. A second printing was ordered. Stamps from the second printing have "LOWER BRULE RESERVATION" typeset in two lines as opposed to one on the first printing. For at least two years, 1969 and 1970, both types were being used concurrently. No stamps from this series have been recorded after 1972.
Kansas Quail White Feather Stamps
The Kansas quail stamps were the first fish and game stamps issued in the U.S., starting in the Spring of 1937. The stamps have always been popular due to a large number of constant printing varieties that collectors find irresistible. These varieties have been documented in print by Kansas revenue specialists Charles Bellinghausen and David Lucas. Some of the varieties are minor and some are more prominent.
By far and away the most significant and widely collected is referred to as the "white feather". Over the years this plate flaw has been recorded in three different sizes known as small, medium and large. For some years white feathers have been recorded in different sizes.
Virginia National Forest Stamps
First issued in 1938, the Virginia National Forest stamps were among the first fish and game stamps issued in the U.S. It is believed that all regularly issued 1938-39 stamps were numbered and at least one unused example has been recorded. It was one of the first stamps purchased by E.L. Vanderford when he was just beginning to collect.
The same design was used from 1939-40 through 1987-88, after which the stamps feature multicolor artwork. The classic period for this series is considered to end after the 1964-65 issue, when the stamps ceased to be perforated. The perforated National Forest stamps are very popular with collectors. Unused stamps from the 1940s can be especially difficult to acquire.
1969 - 1977 Montana Bird Stamps
Montana started issuing bird license stamps in 1969. Stamps were issued for three classifications of hunters; resident, resident youth and non-resident. Similar stamps were issued through 1977-78 and this is considered to be the classic period for this series. Most of these stamps were remaindered and sold to collectors for ten cents each following the seasons. However, relatively few fish and game collectors bought them and it is estimated that fewer than 40 of any of the stamps were sold at the discounted price. For 1970-71, only ten resident youth were made available as remainders and none of the non-resident as they had already sold out. E.L. Vanderford purchased the only recorded unused example for $25.00 during the season. The pair of 1969-70 youth stamps currently in the Csaplar collection and the pair of 1969-70 stamps with the lower stamp missing the design are the only multiples recorded from this period.
Pymatuning Fishing Stamps
Ohio issued the first fishing stamp for Pymatuning Lake in 1938. As with the waterfowl stamps, the $1.00 fishing stamps were required to be purchased by Ohio residents intending to use the lake which straddled the border in upper Ohio and Pennsylvania. The purpose of the stamps was to create an equitable situation between sportsmen from both states as fishing licenses cost $1.00 less in Pennsylvania. According to Ohio records, the law requiring the use of these stamps was repealed following the 1945 season. In this gallery you will see one of the great mysteries in the fish and game stamp hobby. A single stamp has been recorded with a 1946 year date and a fee of 50 cents. This stamp was legitimately used on a 1946 Ohio license.
Washington Upland Bird Stamps
Washington started issuing upland bird stamps in 1971 and continued through the 1984 season. 1971 through 1977 stamps feature the same design of a pheasant in flight. This is considered the classic period for this series. In 1978 and 1979 the image was removed and the stamps were reduced in size. From 1980 through 1984 the stamps feature multicolor artwork. For at least two of these years DUPLICATE stamps were printed in a high serial number range. Unused stamps from the classic period and the later duplicate stamps are difficult to acquire.
Broholm RW1 - RW25 Artist Signed Plate Number Singles
Federal waterfowl stamps are designed by this country's greatest wildlife artists. One of the most popular forms of collecting the federal stamps is with a stamp signed by the artist. Some collectors prefer to have a stamp signed by the artist across the face of the stamp itself. Others prefer to collect plate number singles with the artist signature in the selvage, preserving the unused condition of the stamp. Either way, it is a rewarding experience to ultimately complete the set. Shown here are the first 25 top plate number singles from the award-winning collection and exhibit assembled by Alvin C. Broholm.
Colorado Additional Rod Stamps
In 1955, Colorado began requiring fishermen using more than one rod to purchase a special stamp and affix it to their license. The same "Additional Rod" stamps were used from 1955 through 1965, with the valid year indicated by a rubber stamp.
Starting in 1966, they were called "Second Rod" and a new stamp was printed each year. The stamps were very similar through 1983 and this is considered to be the classic period for this series. Starting in 1984, the bottom of the design was changed to incorporate a signature line and in 1994 the seal was moved from the left to the center of the stamps.
It is believed that one or two booklets of expired stamps were overprinted "Void" each year and saved to be used as specimens or samples when designing the next year's stamps. In the late 1970s, some of these stamps were given to state revenue specialist Ken Pruess.
Tennessee Fur Tax Stamps
In 1939, Tennessee issued one of the most unusual and fascinating sets of fish and game stamps on record. Nine different transportation "stamps" were printed and issued in the form of tags. The stamps were required to be affixed to the hides, furs and pelts of animals that were hunted and killed before they were shipped out of Tennessee.
These stamps have become legendary among the few collectors that know they exist. Occasionally used examples will turn up. However, it can be challenging to assemble an unused set. All unused examples can be traced back to esteemed revenue stamp collector, Morton Dean Joyce.
Earliest Hunting & Fishing Licenses
This gallery consists of the earliest hunting and fishing licenses that I have been able to acquire from each state. I hope that you enjoy this gallery and I look forward to hearing from you with regard to any licenses that you might have that are earlier!