Yes, collecting feathers in Utah is legal under specific conditions, primarily governed by federal and state wildlife laws. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) regulations permit possession of naturally molted feathers from non-protected species, but strict prohibitions apply to migratory birds and raptors.
Key Regulations for Collecting Feathers in Utah
- Migratory Bird Protections: Under the MBTA, it is unlawful to collect feathers from migratory birds (e.g., ducks, geese, songbirds) without a permit. Violations incur federal penalties, including fines up to $15,000 and imprisonment.
- Raptor Feathers: Bald and golden eagle feathers are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Only enrolled members of federally recognized tribes may legally possess these feathers under the National Eagle Repository program.
- State Permits: Utah DWR requires a Wildlife Salvage Permit for commercial or large-scale feather collection. Unauthorized removal from nests or live birds is prohibited, with state fines reaching $1,000 per violation.
Recent 2026 updates to Utah’s wildlife code emphasize stricter enforcement of salvage permits, particularly in Wasatch-Cache and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests, where recreational collection is increasingly monitored. Land ownership also impacts legality—feathers found on private property require landowner consent, while those on public lands fall under federal jurisdiction.
Violations may trigger joint federal-state investigations, as seen in 2025 cases involving illegal waterfowl feather trafficking in northern Utah. Always verify species identification and permit requirements with the Utah DWR or U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service before collection.