Illegal Wildlife Trafficking Ring On Native American Reservation

The exterior of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's National Eagle Repository is seen in Commerce City, Colo., on March 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown)

A Washington state man who pleaded guilty to killing at least 118 eagles as part of a wildlife trafficking ring on a Native American Reservation in Montana is set to be sentenced before a federal judge. The trafficking ring operated on the Flathead Indian Reservation and sold eagle feathers and parts on the black market to meet the high demand among tribal members for use in powwows and ceremonies.

The defendant, Travis John Branson of Cusick, Washington, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and wildlife trafficking charges. Prosecutors revealed that the poaching operation also resulted in the killing of at least 107 hawks and up to 3,600 birds overall. Another individual has been indicted in connection with the case, and additional participants are suspected to be involved.

Prosecutors are seeking a 'significant' prison sentence for Branson and restitution of over $750,000, with $5,000 per eagle killed and $1,750 per hawk. Branson could face up to five years in prison for the conspiracy charge. His defense attorney has requested probation, arguing that the number of birds killed was overstated and disputing the restitution amount.

Operation on Flathead Indian Reservation sold feathers on black market

Man guilty of killing at least 118 eagles in trafficking ring

Prosecutors seek 'significant' prison sentence and restitution of $750,000

Poaching operation also killed 107 hawks and up to 3,600 birds

Despite efforts to combat illegal trade in eagle feathers, the demand remains high among Native Americans. While bald eagles have made a recovery in recent years, golden eagles face threats that could lead to population decline. It is illegal to buy or sell eagle parts, and the government provides feathers for free from a repository to offset demand.

Court records indicate that Branson made substantial profits from selling eagle parts illegally over a period of several years. He was known to kill multiple eagles at a time and dismember them for sale. A second defendant in the case, Simon Paul, remains at large after reportedly fleeing to Canada.

Federally recognized tribes can obtain permits to take eagles for religious purposes, and tribal members can request feathers from designated repositories. The case highlights the ongoing challenges in protecting these iconic bird species from illegal exploitation.