Let’s set the record straight right off the bat: No philatelist and/or dealer has done more to popularize, publicize and elevate the integrity of the world of duck stamp collecting than Robert Dumaine. The name of this longtime dealer from Houston, Texas, is virtually synonymous with this specialized field in philately. His Sam Houston Duck Company has a worldwide following among not only the philatelic community, but also among duck hunting and duck conservation enthusiasts everywhere. At an early age, he developed an appreciation for wetlands and wildlife and recognized the importance of preserving the homes of our “fowl” friends. For over 30 years, Mr. Dumaine has specialized in the buying and selling of stamps—especially duck stamps, prints, and related material. During that time, he has become a recognized leader and expert in duck stamps, and owns and operates a retail stamp and wildlife store in Houston. The firm conducts regular auctions, and he is a licensed and bonded auctioneer in the State of Texas. Bob functions as an unofficial advisor to many state waterfowl programs, and is frequently consulted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Federal Duck Stamp Office. He is co-author of The Duck Stamp Story, which has been widely praised as the most complete work on the history of the duck stamp program, and the stamps themselves. The book achieved a Gold Medal for literature at the American Philatelic Society’s 2001 Annual Exhibition. In addition, the Specialized Duck Stamp Catalogue, published by Sam Houston Duck Company, has been praised for setting the industry standard for duck stamp information and prices, and has won many awards over the years. In addition to writing the special Duck Stamp column for Linn’s Stamp News for 14 years, Bob’s writings have appeared in numerous other stamp collecting periodicals. Bob is the founder of the National Duck Stamp Collectors Society and has been active in many other philatelic organizations. He assists the National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C., in research and preparation of material for the duck stamp gallery and also served on the American Stamp Dealers Association Board of Directors for six years. — Randy Neil