|
This page is provided as a public service by The Pine Needle Group, and is not an official document!
Using Bird Parts
Using Antlers and other animal parts
When you think you know the law
Usually, feathers legally taken in your state from a game bird (one that you hunted in full accordance with all laws, including any licenses, fees, stamps, bag limits, and other restrictions) may be displayed by you within your home. However, they may not be sold. Sometimes they may be given.
Do not think if you embellish a basket with feathers, and say "I am selling the basket, but giving the feathers away", that you are legal. Word games will not help you if you are charged. If in doubt, DON'T USE THEM, GIVE THEM OR SELL THEM.
Simple possession of any part of a migratory bird is regulated by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Most birds are covered by this act, including songbirds and birds of prey. This includes birds like vultures and sparrows. It also applies to feathers, eggs, or nests which are found lying in your yard. You only have to have them in your possession, no one has to prove that you hurt the bird for you to be in violation of this FEDERAL law. Other laws which protect birds include the Bald and Golden Eagle Acts. All of these acts carry heavy penalties, including big fines and even FELONY status. Read: Jail time.
Registered Native Americans may SOMETIMES legally possess feathers covered by these laws, through religious waivers written into the law. But these waivers do not extend to sharing, giving, or selling the feathers or bird parts to non-registered natives.
For additional information, try these links:
Use of Wildlife in Arts and Crafts: An Overview of Federal Laws and Regulations If you are going to use ANY animal parts in your crafts, this is the ONE LINK on this page you need to visit. Read it!
List of birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. |
When you know it is legal in your state, or for you...
it is not necessarily true for someone in another state! Purchasing and trading feathers, or other wildlife parts across state lines leaves all individuals involved open to prosecution under the Lacey Act, a federal law which contains severe FELONY penalties.
SOOO...please do not make an antler basket and send it to me through the mail...if it turns out to be illegal in either of the states we live in, we are both liable for prosecution. Thanks!
For additional information, try these links:
Lacey Act overview |
|
This page is provided as a public service by The Pine Needle Group, and is not an official document!
Thanks for reading it. Any suggestions about this page, please contact the webmaster