Is owning a bald eagle feather illegal?

A federal law prohibits non-Native Americans from possessing bald eagle parts, including feathers. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, amended several times since its passage in 1940, prohibits anyone without a federal permit from disturbing, taking or possessing eagle parts, eggs or nests.

Can you get fined for having a bald eagle feather?

Under the current language of the eagle feather law, individuals of certifiable American Indian ancestry enrolled in a federally recognized tribe are legally authorized to obtain eagle feathers. Unauthorized persons found with an eagle or its parts in their possession can be fined up to $250,000.

Why is it illegal to own a bald eagle feather?

Because of the religious and cultural significance of eagle feathers, the law makes an exception that allows members of federally recognized tribes to own eagle feathers. Eligible Native Americans must first get a permit to own and receive eagle feathers. However, they cannot give the feathers to non-Native Americans.

When did it become illegal to own eagle feathers?

1940
Thanks to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, enacted 98 years ago, and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940, possession of feathers of any migratory bird other than the pigeon, starling or house sparrow makes one an outlaw.

What is the penalty for owning an eagle feather?

According to federal law, it’s illegal to take a feather shed from an eagle. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 prohibits the possession of eagle feathers by non-Native Americans. Anyone convicted of violating the law could face a fine of up to $100,000 and a year in jail.

How much is an eagle feather worth?

A whole, young golden eagle sells for as much as $1,200, and a single golden eagle tail feather in mint condition can fetch more than $250.

Can I keep an Eagle feather I found?

I found an eagle feather – what should I do with it? If you find eagle feathers out in nature, enjoy, appreciate, study, and photograph them, them but leave them where you found it. It is illegal to keep eagle feathers or parts without a permit.

Is feather collecting illegal?

Are you an outlaw if you have a bird feather collection? According to the Migratory Birds Treaty Act, it is illegal to own native bird feathers or bits of egg shells, even if you found them in your yard.

Is it illegal to keep bald eagle feathers?

Can I keep eagle feathers and eagle parts? No, it is illegal for any individual to keep a bald or golden eagle, including its parts (feathers, feet, egg shells etc.) without a federal permit. State, tribal, and other permits may be needed as well. More information on laws that protect bald eagle and their feathers can be found here.

Can a Native American own a bald eagle?

Native Americans may also legally possess eagle feathers and parts acquired through certain other means. Such items include any owned before eagles were first protected by Federal law (1940 for bald eagles, and 1962 for golden eagles) and feathers and parts passed down within a family or received as gifts from other Native Americans.

Can you kill an eagle without a permit?

No person — including Native Americans — may kill or capture eagles without a permit from the Service. Nor may anyone buy, sell, barter, trade, import, or export eagle feathers or items made from them. These prohibitions cover all feathers and parts, including those that “pre-date” Federal protections and others that are legally possessed.

Can you give an eagle feather to a non Native American?

However, they cannot give the feathers to non-Native Americans. So, if you ever see a bird feather, especially an eagle feather, leave it alone, unless you’re a Native American. If I Find a Stray Animal, Can I Keep It?