Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: Pat B on January 25, 2026, 12:35:42 am

Title: Everyone, please read,federal law about feathers in the US
Post by: Pat B on January 25, 2026, 12:35:42 am

             Federal feather laws, primarily the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, make it illegal to possess, sell, or transport feathers, parts, or nests of over 1,100 native North American bird species without a permit. These regulations apply to molted, road-killed, or naturally found feathers. Key Aspects of Federal Feather Laws Migratory Bird Treaty Act (1918): Protects over 1,100 species (e.g., hawks, owls, songbirds, waterfowl). It is illegal to possess these feathers, even if found in nature.Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (1940): Specifically protects eagle parts and feathers with strict penalties.No "Found" Exception: Picking up a feather on a hike and taking it home is technically illegal under federal law.Exceptions: Only legally authorized, such as for Native American religious and cultural purposes through special permits, or for authorized scientific/educational institutions.Penalties: Violations can lead to heavy fines (up to \(\$100,000-\$250,000\) for individuals) and imprisonment. Commonly Confused Points Legal Feathers: Feathers from non-native species (house sparrow, starling, pigeon), domesticated birds (chickens, ducks, turkeys, pheasants), or craft store-bought feathers (often dyed) are generally legal to own.Eagle Repository: Eagle feathers found in the wild should not be kept; they are typically sent to the National Eagle Repository for distribution to Native Americans.

 

Title: Re: Everyone, please read,federal law about feathers in the US
Post by: JW_Halverson on January 25, 2026, 11:55:51 am

Thanks, Pat. You may get lucky and the USF&W Agent is feeling generous that day and only confiscate. If you are charged and convicted you may get lucky IF YOU HAVE NO OTHER OFFENSES and get off with a long probation. And they always give a long probation. That means under the terms of probation that they can arrive unannounced and search anywhere they want, any time they want, and for as long as they want. And they will. Because once convicted you got a mark on you that can't be scrubbed off and you are under the microscope.

Seriously, there are just far, far too many legal ways to fletch an arrow or decorate a hat. If you REALLY, REALLY, REALLY have to have an eagle feather, get a hold of me. I specialize in immature golden eagle tail feathers. I start with a white farm raised turkey feather and carefully apply paints and stains to mock it up. They look good from 10 ft away, but there ain't a game warden in the world worth his salt that upon close inspection would confuse it with the real thing.