Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

Waterfowl Stamps

The Pine Ridge Reservation is located in southwest South Dakota and is bordered by the Black Hills to the west and the Badlands to the north. The Oglala Sioux Tribe living on the reservation first issued stamps in 1987 or 1988. The earliest known usage is from 1988. The first tribal member waterfowl stamps were semi-pictorial and were used through 1991. There were at least two printings of the stamps resulting in two different types. Ail of the stamps were issued in booklet panes of five (1x5) with a tab at the top. Panes from the first printing were plain rouletted 9 1/2 between the tab and the stamps in positions one through four, and 6 1/2 between the stamps in positions four and five — creating three different varieties. Panes from a subsequent printing were perforated 11 3/4. The serial numbers are also larger in size and set in a different type face on the perforated stamps.

For 1992 and 1993-94, a stamp dealer contracted with the tribe to produce their waterfowl stamps. The 1992 stamps featured a black and white illustration of a pair of Canada geese. The stamps were issued in booklet panes of five (1x5) with a tab at the top. They were plain rouletted 6 1/2 between the stamps and between the stamps and the tab. The 1993-94 stamps also featured Canada geese which were reproduced in multicolor. The stamps were issued in booklet panes of five (1x5) with a tab at the top. The stamps have photographically simulated perforations, however, the panes were actually plain rouletted 6 1/2 between the stamps and between the stamps and the tab.

For 1994, remainders of the 1993-94 stamps were rubber- stamped with the new year date in black ink. According to the tribe, there has been no waterfowl season on the reservation since 1992. Therefore, it is assumed that the 1993-94 and 1994 "issues" were produced solely for sale to stamp collectors. Serial numbers on all of the Oglala Sioux Tribe's waterfowl stamps were printed in red ink and all have dull gum.