Is It Illegal To Get Caught With An Eagle Feather In Iowa?

Eagles thrive all over the state of Iowa. But it could cost you big time if you get caught with even an eagle feather in Iowa.

Iowa is home to awe-inspiring rivers and picturesque landscapes that provide the perfect sanctuary for both Bald and Golden Eagles.

These magnificent birds are at their most observable during the winter months, especially from November through March, when their numbers swell substantially.

Decorah, Iowa is home to the famous Raptor Resource Center Eagle Cams where you can often watch Eagles lay eggs in their nest and raise a hatchling.

But let's say you find an eagle feather along the Mississippi River that flows through Iowa's east side, can you pick it up and keep it?

The answer is NO! It could cost you thousands of dollars and even jail time!

According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service... “The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act enacted in 1940 prohibits anyone, without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior, from "taking" bald or golden eagles, including their parts (including feathers), nests, or eggs.

The Act provides criminal penalties for persons who "take, possess, sell, purchase, barter, offer to sell, transport, export or import, at any time or any manner, any bald eagle ... [or any golden eagle], alive or dead, or any part (including feathers), nest, or egg thereof."

A violation of the Act can result in a fine of $100,000 ($200,000 for organizations), imprisonment for one year, or both, for a first offense.

Penalties increase substantially for additional offenses, and a second violation of this Act is a felony.”

If you do happen to come across a dead Eagle or other parts you are asked to contact your nearest wildlife official.