Ordering Eagle Parts and Feathers

Ordering Eagle Parts and Feathers

from the National Eagle Repository

For hundreds of years, Native Americans have used eagle parts and feathers for religious and

cultural purposes, including healing, marriage, and naming ceremonies. Recognizing the

significance of eagles to Native Americans, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service)

established the National Eagle Repository (Repository) in the early 1970s to provide Native

Americans with the carcasses, parts and feathers of golden and bald eagles for religious purposes.

Who may obtain eagle carcasses, parts, and feathers from the Repository?

Only enrolled members of federally recognized tribes may apply to receive and possess eagle

carcasses, parts, and feathers from the Repository for religious purposes.

How do I apply for these items from the Repository?

To apply for an eagle carcass or parts or feathers from the Repository for the first time, you must

submit a Permit Application & First Order request, and a Certificate of Enrollment in a Federally

Recognized Tribe (Form 3-200-15A) to the Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office responsible

for the State in which you live. The Permit Office will process your permit application and, if

approved, issue you a permit to possess for religious purposes eagle carcasses or parts (including

feathers) provided by the Repository. The Permit Office will simultaneously transmit your First

Order to the Repository for filling. If you wish to order additional carcasses or parts at a later

time, you must submit a Re-order Request (Form 3-200-15B) directly to the Repository.

Did the permit process change recently?

Yes, the Service recently streamlined the permitting process for eagle carcasses and parts.

Previously, a first-time applicant submitted a permit application and shipping request to his/her

Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office and the Permit Office transmitted the order to the

Repository. The applicant did not receive his/her permit until after receiving the shipment and

mailing back a signed Acknowledgement of Receipt to the Permit Office. Each subsequent

shipping order was sent to the Permit Office to be forwarded to the Repository. The permit was

amended when the Permit Office received the signed Acknowledgement of Receipt for the reorder.

Now, the Permit Office will process only the initial permit application and, if approved, issue the

permit right away. The permit will authorize the applicant to possess eagle carcasses and parts

provided by the Repository and will be the only permit needed, regardless of the number of

requests filled by the Repository. The Permit Office will then forward the first order to the

Repository for filling. An applicant will not have to send an Acknowledgement of Receipt to the

Permit Office in order to get their permit. Permit holders will send any subsequent Re-Order

1

Requests directly to the Repository. The permit will not have to be amended to cover re-orders.

The original permit will be valid for the life of the permit holder.

In summary, now you will obtain your life-time permit from your Regional Migratory Bird

Permit Office. After your first order has been filled, you will deal directly with the Repository

for any re-orders. You will contact your Permit Office only if you wish to make name or address

amendments to your permit.

What items may Native Americans order from the Repository?

Native Americans may order up to one whole golden or bald eagle or equivalent parts at a time.

They may also order specific eagle parts or loose eagle feathers.

What kinds of parts are available?

Orders may be placed for a pair of wings, tail, head, pair of talons, or trunk. You many not order

more of any part than is found in one whole eagle.

How many loose eagle feathers may an individual request?

There are two types of loose feather requests:

10 Quality Loose Feathers: These consist of 8 wing feathers and 2 tail feathers which

are hand picked. Because supplies are limited, no more than 2 tail feathers will be

provided per order. Wing feathers will be selected half from the left and half from the

right wing, unless specified all from one side. Spike feathers will be utilized. Efforts

are made to match the best quality feathers.

20 Miscellaneous Eagle Feathers: These consist of assorted bald or golden eagle

feathers and may include various size feathers (such as primaries, secondaries, tail, and

plumes). Quality may vary. Applicants may not customize orders.

May a school request eagle feathers for graduation?

Yes, schools may request eagle feathers to present at graduation to Native American students

who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes. A representative from the school who

is an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe should apply at the beginning of the school

year under the miscellaneous eagle feather category, which has the shortest turn around time.

More than one representative may apply; however, only one order per applicant (including

requests for feathers for personal use) may be placed or awaiting shipment at a time. Upon

receipt of feathers, applicants may reorder and may continue to do so throughout the year until

the number of feathers needed have been acquired.

How long does it take the Repository to fill orders?

The demand for eagle carcasses, parts, and feathers is high, and supplies are limited. The time

needed to fill requests will vary depending on the items ordered. Estimated time frames for

2

various items are provided below. (Please note that requests are filled based on current

inventory.)

Whole immature golden eagles

Whole adult golden eagles

Whole adult and immature bald eagles

Whole tail only — golden eagle

Whole tail only — bald eagle

Pair of eagle wings

10 loose quality feathers

20 miscellaneous feathers

Trunks only

Head only

Talons only

Approximately 5 years

Approximately 4% years

Approximately 2’ years

Approximately 4 % - 5

Approximately 2 — 2 % years

Approximately | year

Approximately 6 months

Approximately 3 months

On receipt of request

On receipt of request

On receipt of request

For information about permit requirements, contact:

The Permit Office responsible for your State

(see attached list of Migratory Bird Permit Offices).

For more information about the Repository, contact:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

National Eagle and Wildlife Property Repository

Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Building 128

6550 Gateway Road.

Commerce City, Colorado 80022

(303) 287-2110

http://www.fws.gov/le/Natives/EagleRepository.htm

July 20, 2011

Department of the Interior

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

EAGLE PARTS FOR NATIVE AMERICAN RELIGIOUS PURPOSES

Permit Application

& First Order

US.

FISH_& WILDLIFE

SERVICE

OMB Control #1018-0022

Expires 02/28/2014

OFFICE USE ONLY

Date Completed Request

rec’d in Regional Office

/ /

Initials:

Please see reverse for instructions

Last Name First Name Middle Name

Suffix (Sr., Jr.,

etc.)

Physical address (Street address; Apartment #, Suite #; no P.O. Boxes)

City State

Zip code/Postal code

Mailing Address (if different than physical address)

City State Zip code/Postal code

Date of Birth Social Security Number Name of Contact Person (if you have no phone)

Home Phone Number Work Phone Number Phone Number of Contact

Permit Number Cellular Phone Number E-Mail Address

(Not applicable for First Order)

DESCRIPTION OF REQUESTED MATERIAL (You can only make one request at a time.)

tiem (May not exceed parts of Approximate

=— one whole eagle) Waiting Period Species Age

(1 Whole Carcass — Golden Eagle 44-5 years (Golden Adult

1] Whole Carcass — Bald Eagle 2-2 % years LJBald L]Immature

1] Pair of Whole Wings 1 year (either LEither examples

[Whole Tail--Golden Eagle ; “ ; years pag eI

[Whole Tail --Bald Eagle Hes 2:) Saks .

P ‘ng 9 taj 6 months (Orders for golden (Orders for immature

O10 Quality Loose Feathers (8 wing; 2 tail) 90 days eagle take longer to golden eagles take the

ee 4 ter a Loose Feathers (lower fill than bald eagles.) longest to fill.)

(CO Pair of Talons Minimal

0] Head Minimal

(Trunk (body without head, feet, wings or tail) Minimal

Name of Your Tribe: Enrollment No.

Name of Religious Ceremony in which these materials will be used. (You may choose not to provide

ceremony if doing so will violate your religious beliefs.)

the name of the religious

I hereby certify that I am requesting an eagle items for religious purposes and that the information submitted herein is complete

and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that false statements made here may subject me to criminal penalties.

Signature: Date:

===== OFFICE USE ONLY BELOW HERE ====

APPLICANT CONTACT NOTES

Date shipping request forwarded to Eagle Repository: : [ I Initials:

Date shipping request received at Eagle Repository: / L Initials:

Date of shipment to applicant: / [ Initials:

Form 3-200-15A (Rev 09/10)

1

OMB Control No. 1018-0022

US.

FISH, & WILDLIFE Expires 02/28/2014

Department of the Interior

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Division of Migratory Birds

Eagle Permit Applicant:

(Please print)

Name:

Address:

TELEPHONE NUMBER: eee

CERTIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT IN A U.S. FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED TRIBE

(By Certifying Tribal Official)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the

Federal law protecting eagles. This law provides for Native American use of eagle feathers for

religious purposes. Eagles and eagle feathers are accumulated by the Service’s National Eagle

Repository and made available to Native Americans.

Application for a permit to acquire eagle feathers requires certification that the requesting individual

is an enrolled member of an Indian tribe that is federally recognized under the Federally

Recognized Tribal List Act of 1994, 25 U.S.C. 479a-1, 108 Stat. 4791 (1994). The certificate must

be signed by the tribal official who is authorized to certify that an individual is a duly enrolled

member of that tribe, and must include the official title of that certifying official. (50 CFR 22.22)

Name of certifying official (print):

I certify that is an enrolled member of the

Tribe, Enrollment #

u I understand that making a false statement can make me subject to the criminal penalties of 18

S.C. 1001.

Signature: Date:

Title: Office phone no. ( ) -

NOTE TO CERTIFYING OFFICIAL: Please expedite this completed Certification of

Enrollment to the applicant at the above address.

APPLICANT: Attach this completed certification to your Eagle Permit application and mail them

to the U-S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office responsible for your

state.

has

Form 3-200-15A (Rev 09/10)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING FOR

A PERMIT & EAGLE PARTS

FOR NATIVE AMERICAN RELIGIOUS PURPOSES

IMPORTANT: Use this “Permit Application/First Order” form only if you do not already have a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

permit to possess eagle carcasses, feathers and other parts from the National Eagle Repository (Repository). Do not use this

application form if you already have a permit from the Service to possess eagle parts from the Repository. If you already have a

permit, you must use the Re-Order Request Form (3-200-15B) and send it directly to the Repository for filling. See instructions

below under “Re-Ordering Eagle Parts and Feathers from the Repository.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) administers the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the primary Federal law

protecting bald and golden eagles. This law provides for the use of eagle parts and feathers for religious purposes by Native

Americans. Eagle carcasses, feathers and other parts are accumulated by, and made available to, Native Americans through, the

Repository. In order to receive material from the Repository, you must first obtain a permit from the Service Regional Migratory

Bird Permit Office that serves your State, using this application form. You only need to obtain a single permit, which will

authorize all future shipments of eagle parts that you receive from the Repository. Once you have that permit and have received

your first order, you may make future requests directly to the Repository using a Re-Order Request Form (Form 3-200-15B) (see

instructions below under “Re-Ordering Eagle Parts and Feathers from the Repository”.) Please do not submit re-order requests to

your permit-issuing office.

The Repository serves Native Americans of federally recognized tribes throughout the United States. Shipments of feathers are

prioritized according to the date the Repository receives a properly completed Order. You can avoid delays in the processing of

your Order by ensuring that your form is signed and the information you provide is complete and legible. We must have your

current address and telephone number for the Repository to contact you when your request is ready to be filled. ***JMPORTANT:

Please notify the Repository at (303) 287-2110 if you change your address or telephone number. The Repository will not ship

any orders without prior address verification.

Due to the limited supply of eagle carcasses, parts and feathers, all applicants are allowed only one pending order at a time.

Each order for parts may not exceed the quantity of one whole bird. Applicants ordering a whole bird may not order additional

parts. Requests for a whole carcass average 2-2 years to fill for a bald eagle and 4% - 5 years to fill for a golden eagle. Feather

orders are as follows: Ten “quality loose feathers”, which usually consist of 8 wing feathers and 2 tail feathers, are filled within 6

months. Twenty “miscellaneous loose feathers” usually consist of a mixture of lower quality feathers that are not exchangeable

or returnable and are filled within 90 days. Please refer to page 4 for descriptions of eagle feathers.

When filling out your Application/First Order form, make sure you request either a whole bird or parts. Do not ask for both.

Make sure your form is completed with all information requested and signed. If your form is incomplete, it will be returned to

you and your order will be delayed.

Mail your completed Application/First Order form and Certification of Enrollment to the Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office

that serves the State where you live. The Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office addresses and contact information are listed on

page 4. After you have received your permit, any questions about the status of your order should be directed to the Repository at

(303) 287-2110.

To qualify for a permit, you must be a member of a federally recognized tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or _

community recognized by, and eligible to receive services from, the Bureau of Indian Affairs. You must submit with your permit

application a Certification of Enrollment in a Federally Recognized Tribe completed by a tribal official who is authorized to certify

that an individual is a duly enrolled member of your tribe. You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a permit.

Re-Ordering Eagle Carcasses, Parts, and Feathers from the Repository

If you already have a permit and wish to re-order eagle carcasses, parts, or feathers, use a Re-Order Request Form (3-200-15B) and

submit it directly to the Repository. You can obtain that form online at http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-200-15b.pdf, or contact your

Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office to request that one be mailed to you.

MIGRATORY BIRD PERMIT OFFICES

ADULT BALD EAGLE

IMMATURE BALD EAGLE

Tail - all white

Pa

Spikes/Primaries

Tail - black and white streaked

—_—

Secondaries

epiaae 15 Telephone Number

Fws Area of Responsibility Mailing Address & Email Address

Region

1 Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Pacific Island Territories 911 NE. 11" Avenue (503) 872-2715

Portland, OR 97232-4181 permitsRI MB@fws. gov

2 Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas P.O. Box 709 (505) 248-7882

Albuquerque, NM 87103 ermitsR2MB@fws.gov

3 Illinois, Indiana, lowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, 5600 American Blvd. West (612) 713-5436

Wisconsin Suite 990 permitsR3MB@fws.gov

Bloomington, MN 55437-1458

4 Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, P.O. Box 49208 (404) 679-7070

Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Atlanta, GA 30359 permitsR4MB@fws. gov

Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

5 Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, P.O. Box 779 (413) 253-8643

Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Hadley, MA 01035-0779 permitsR5MB@fws.gov

Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia

6 Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South P.O. Box 25486, DFC 303) 2367817 1

Dakota, Utah, Wyoming Denver, CO 80225-0486 permitsR6MB@fws. gov

7 Alaska 1011 East Tudor Road (MS 201) | (907) 786-3693

Anchorage, AK 99503 permitsR7MB@fws.gov

8 California, Nevada 2800 Cottage Way (916) 978-6183

Sacramento, CA 95825 permitsRSMB@fws.gov

ADULT GOLDEN EAGLE

Wing

Tail - dark brown with marbling pattern

IMMATURE GOLDEN EAGLE

Tail - white witn dark tips

APPLICATION FOR A FEDERAL FISH AND WILDLIFE PERMIT

Paperwork Reduction Act, Privacy Act, and Freedom of Information Act — Notices

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.) & the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), please be

advised:

1. The gathering of information on fish and wildlife is authorized by:

a Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668), Title 50. Code of Federal Regulations, Part 22 [50 CFR 22];

b. Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531-1544), 50 CFR 17.1 to 17.95(b) , 50 CFR 17.95(c) , 50 CFR 17.96 to 17.99 , and

50 CFR 17.99 to end;

Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-712), 50 CFR 21;

Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1361, et. seq.), 50 CFR 18;

Wild Bird Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 4901-4916), 50 CFR 15;

Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. 42); Injurious Wildlife, 50 CFR 16;

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (TIAS 8249) ; 50 CFR 23;

General Provisions, 50 CFR 10;

General Permit Procedures, 50 CFR 13; and

Wildlife Provisions (Import/export/transport), 50 CFR 14.

rire me as

2. Information requested in this form is purely voluntary. However, submission of requested information is required in order to process

applications for permits authorized under the above laws. Failure to provide all requested information may be sufficient cause for the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service to deny the request. Response is not required unless a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

control number is displayed on the form.

3. Certain applications for permits authorized under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1539) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act of

1972 (16 U.S.C. 1374) will be published in the Federal Register as required by the two laws.

4. Disclosures outside the Department of the Interior may be made without the consent of an individual under the routine uses listed below, if the

disclosure is compatible with the purposes for which the record was collected. (Ref. 68 FR 52611, September 4, 2003)

a. Routine disclosure to subject matter experts, and federal, state, local, and foreign agencies, for the purpose of obtaining advice relevant to

making a decision on an application for a permit or when necessary to accomplish a FWS function related to this system of records.

b. Routine disclosure to the public as a result of publishing Federal Register notices announcing the receipt of permit applications for public

comment or notice of the decision on a permit application.

c. Routine disclosure to federal, state, local, or foreign wildlife and plant agencies for the exchange of information on permits granted or denied to

assure compliance with all applicable permitting requirements.

d. Routine disclosure to Captive-bred Wildlife registrants under the Endangered Species Act for the exchange of authorized species, and to share

information on the captive breeding of these species.

e. Routine disclosure to federal, state, and local authorities who need to know who is permitted to receive and rehabilitate sick, orphaned, and

injured birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act; federally permitted rehabilitators; individuals

seeking a permitted rehabilitator with whom to place a bird in need of care; and licensed veterinarians who receive, treat, or diagnose sick,

orphaned, and injured birds.

f. Routine disclosure to the Department of Justice, or a court, adjudicative, or other administrative body or to a party in litigation before a court or

adjudicative or administrative body, under certain circumstances.

g. Routine disclosure to the appropriate federal, state, tribal, local, or foreign governmental agency responsible for investigating, prosecuting,

enforcing, or implementing. statutes, rules, or licenses, when we become aware of a violation or potential violation of such statutes, rules, or

licenses, or when we need to monitor activities associated with a permit or regulated use.

h. Routine disclosure to a congressional office in response to an inquiry to the office by the individual to whom the record pertains.

Routine disclosure to the General Accounting Office or Congress when the information is required for the evaluation of the permit programs.

j. Routine disclosure to provide addresses obtained from the Internal Revenue Service to debt collection agencies for purposes of locating a

debtor to collect or compromise a federal claim against the debtor or to consumer reporting agencies to prepare a commercial credit

report for use by the FWS.

5. For individuals, personal information such as home address and telephone number, financial data, and personal identifiers (social security

number, birth date, etc.) will be removed prior to any release of the application.

6. The public reporting burden on the applicant for information collection varies depending on the activity for which a permit is requested. The

relevant burden for an Eagle Indian Religious Permit Application & First Order application is 1 hour. This burden estimate includes time

for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data and completing and reviewing the form. You may direct comments regarding the

burden estimate or any other aspect of the form to the Service Information Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mail Stop 222,

Arlington Square, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington D.C. 20240.

Freedom of Information Act — Notice

For organizations, businesses, or individuals operating as a business (i.¢., permittees not covered by the Privacy Act), we request that you identify

any information that should be considered privileged and confidential business information to allow the Service to meet its responsibilities under

FOIA. Confidential business information must be clearly marked "Business Confidential" at the top of the letter or page and each succeeding page

and must be accompanied by a non-confidential summary of the confidential information. The non-confidential summary and remaining documents

may be made available to the public under FOIA [43 CFR 2.13(c)(4), 43 CFR 2.15(d)(1)()].