Eagle feather thread

[ForresterModern]

I know the thread that spawned this discussion has been locked for specific reasons and do not intend to try to circumvent them in any way.

I do however want folks on this side of the pond to know that it is illegal to possess bald eagle feathers in the US without specific permits (usually only provided to Native Americans for tribal purposes and folks in the raptor education and rehabilitation fields), regardless of the source or age. This is a federal statute and based out of the Endangered Species legislation now roughly 40 years old.

[Stratherrick]

FM

Glad you opened your post as you did. I've apologised all round for messing up my earlier thread. But, the feather thing was interesting.

What if you just find some Bald Eagle feathers lying about?

And, are you allowed to import Scottish Golden Eagle feathers?

Bruce

[MacKay71 Wife]

I know that you are not allowed to have Bald Eagle feathers even if you find them on the ground. I do not, however, know about Scottish Golden Eagle feathers.

[ForresterModern]

Bald eagle feathers found on the ground in the US are either to be left alone and reported or promptly turned in to federal authorities such as National Park or Fish and Wildlife representatives, even police.

I believe Golden eagle feathers are also protected to some degree but am not entirely sure about this, or how that relates to bringing in non-US golden eagle feathers.

[Farlander]

From the US Fish and Wildlife site at:
http://www.fws.gov/faq/featherfaq.html
"The Bald Eagle Protection Act prohibits the take, transport, sale, barter, trade, import and export, and possession of eagles, making it illegal for anyone to collect eagles and eagle parts without a permit. The Act was amended in 1962 to include protection for golden eagles."

As I read this, one should probably avoid eagle feathers on this side of the pond, no matter where they came from.

[KFCarter]

Thanks for that information. I would not have never have guessed about the need to report and turn in any "found" Bald Eagle feathers.

[davedove]

Thanks for that information. I would not have never have guessed about the need to report and turn in any "found" Bald Eagle feathers.

It does seem a bit like overkill, but I'm sure it's that way to prevent poachers from killing eagles for their feathers and then claiming they "found" them.

[KFCarter]

It does seem a bit like overkill, but I'm sure it's that way to prevent poachers from killing eagles for their feathers and then claiming they "found" them.

Yep, unfortunately, but I bet you're right about that. What a world.

I do wonder if the same restrictions apply to Golden Eagles.

[JSFMACLJR]

As only armigers are "entitled" to wear eagle feathers, I am always bemused by the great depths various forums will go in discussing them! How many Scottish armigers are there in the US?

I may or I may not have an eagle feather, which I may or may not wear on occasion, but as an armiger I am perfectly content to be identified by my crest within a plain circlet.

[Galician]

I'm curious. Would the clan officals who appear in some photos here (such as those from the huge Gathering last week) wearing such feathers be barred from bringing them in as part of their attire?