J.R. Wooton has just released a much anticipated and needed catalog of Fish and Game stamps. While the catalog delves deeply into many game stamps, only overlapping sportsman and similar type stamps involve duck hunting stamps. Those that are listed are important and noteworthy. The last catalog of this type was E.L. Vanderford’s 1973 “Handbook of Fish and Game Stamps.” In that edition, some 1,570 stamps were listed and described. The Wooton publication lists and describes the color on 6,670 stamps, both printed and pictorial issues. General waterfowl stamps are not specifically listed, as Wooton feels they are “adequately catalogued elsewhere.” Although the listings and pricing is extensive, the author points out a number of states that need additional work, such as North and South Dakota, Georgia, and California. In addition, Wooton notes that Colorado and Louisiana have issued a large number of stamps during the past ten years, and requires more study. The catalog prices have been obtained from various auction results, and sell as published dealer prices. Wooton points out that “listed prices are only given a guide, and are for sound stamps without faults of any kind. Stated prices for mint stamps are for hinged stamps prior to 1976, and never hinged thereafter.” The catalog consists of 220 pages, with a splashy black cover, and is perfect bound. Stamps issued for the year 2001 have also been included. Wooton’s work is a welcome addition but may become dated once the data is in the public’s hands. After numerous dealers and collectors peruse the catalog to identify the stamps they’ve been hoarding, and these stamps enter into the marketplace, prices will change, both higher and lower, that is a given. I personally applaud Wooton’s effort in this pioneer area. It takes extensive effort and guts to attempt such a venture, and a lot more guts to list prices. Perhaps many dealers have bought and sold some of these stamps, but for one reason or another, have not published comprehensive prices. The industry was basically drifting around in the dark, and by Wooton stepping out with hard data for all to see and critique, the market will be smarter, and stamps values will eventually find their correct levels. review by Bob Dumaine