Obsessed

[pocomoacres]

You be the judge. When I am out and about, I carry with me some cordless clippers. I have been known to clip off a few hairs here and there, from a raccoon or a opossum. Even occasionally get Hawk feathers. A Hawktail Nymph or a Raccoon Hair Nymph work quite nicely. Now for the legal ramifications. Since Hawks are a protected species, am I committing a crime? I had no part in the killing of said bird. Any ideas. So, in conclusion, if you are traveling about, and see some weirdo giving a raccoon a haircut, just honk and wave. It's just me collecting fly tying materials. And don't tell me you haven't done it!

[jdmidwest]

Possession of Federal Birds of Prey like hawks, owls, and eagles are prohibited unless you are a native American. Waterfowl has its own set of rules. Furbearers are usually not a big deal and you can pick them without any problems.

Picking up road kill is every serious flytyer's obsession. But you really can't pick birds of prey up if they were killed by anything, legally.

[Outside Bend]

JD's correct, possession of the feathers of birds of prey is illegal, regardless of whether or not you killed the bird.

[Randall]

I did not know that. What about the mounts I see around, what's the story on those?

Don't happen to know the statute or reg for that do you?

[jdmidwest]

I think there is a museum permit you can get for the protected species mounts. Obviously, you can not harvest one and stuff it. But natural death, roadkill, or poached specimens usually are candidates. But you can not use the feathers or parts for flies, necklaces, etc unless you are a native American Indian and are licensed to do so.

[Chief Grey Bear]

It is not really a license. You have to apply for a permit from, if I remember correctly, the USFWS. And I think you may have to apply for a permit for every bird or part of. It is not a one time deal that covers you for every bird. And the last I had heard, it was a hell of a waiting list and took years to get. I am not sure, but I think the parts can only be used for religious reasons or display. I don't think tying flies will....well....fly.

[fishinwrench]

I don't think tying flies will....well....fly.

....unless an Indian gives it to you

[FishinCricket]

....unless an Indian gives it to you

Ah, the infamous "Uncle Tonto gave it to me" defense... lol

[dennis boatman]

Didn't notice what I had signed in under. Pocomoacres is Dennis Boatman.

We are one and the same. Fished Niangua on Tuesday and had a great day. Caught 7 or 8. A couple were 12"ish. Nothing really small. Brought 2 home for the skillet and they were yummy. Trout Almondine, cornbread, and Baked Potato. Next time down, will get to Barclay.

[Chief Grey Bear]

....unless an Indian gives it to you

Technically, no. It may only be passed down to family members. And I think only after death. And I ain't feeling sick.

A couple were 12"ish. Nothing really small. Brought 2 home for the skillet and they were yummy. Trout Almondine, cornbread, and Baked Potato. Next time down, will get to Barclay.

Does sound delish. Not sure I could eat fish without some Pork-N-Beans though! And them taters need to be fried. With onions. Now we is talking some good grub. And that cornbread, you did put some jalapeeners and some cheese in that right??????