Comment sought on Native use of migratory birds

Thursday, June 28, 2007  

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comment on regulations to allow Native Americans to acquire parts and feathers from birds other than eagles for religious or spiritual use.

The agency has adopted rules for use of eagle feathers and parts. But there is no process for other birds important in Native culture, such as hawks, sparrows and hummingbirds.

Terry Knight, a Ute Mountain Ute elder, said the regulations should make it easy to acquire bird parts. He said he hopes the agency respects the tribal barter system.

The public comment period closes August 14.

Get the Story:
Feather or not (The Cortez Journal 6/28)

Federal Register Notice:
Migratory Bird Permits; Religious or Spiritual Use of Feathers by Native Americans (June 15, 2007)

Relevant Links:
National Eagle Repository - http://www.r6.fws.gov/law/le65.html
US Forest Service, Migratory Birds - http://www.fws.gov/midwest/MidwestBird

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