A Montana man has received a three-year prison sentence for illegally trafficking eagle feathers, wings, and tails. Harvey Hugs, 59, from Hardin, Montana, was sentenced in Rapid City, South Dakota, after being convicted on three counts of violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The conviction stems from a 2020 investigation into Hugs' involvement in the illegal trade of golden eagle feathers. A subsequent search of his residence in March 2021 uncovered additional eagle parts, including wings and tails. Hugs reportedly sold golden eagle tails for hundreds of dollars each and even exchanged a set of wings and a tail for $1,000, shipping the items to South Dakota. U.S. law strictly prohibits the possession, use, or sale of eagles and their parts, with limited exceptions for cultural and religious purposes by Native American tribes and authorized institutions. A federal clearinghouse exists to provide eagles and their parts to eligible tribal members, zoos, and museums.
Image caption: A bald eagle hunts in Christmas, Florida. This image is unrelated to the trafficking case. (JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
