Re: how to cure a skin

[WPCTWBUG]

My answer is it is technically illegal to possess these feathers, but if no one knows you won't have a problem. Just don't start selling them or promoting fly patterns that utilize illegal feathers. I find bald eagle feathers regularly around my trout pond where they fall off when the birds are preening as they try to catch my fish. I always thought they were scavengers, but since I've started stocking large trout, I've found them to be very effective predators. I've found some nice tail and primary feathers, but would not consider keeping them since possession of eagle feathers is a Federal crime unless you have a permit like many Indians do. Incidentally, I was duck hunting a couple days ago and shot a large drake pintail. I knew I hit it, but it flew about 400 yards before collapsing in midair and crashing to the water. I ran to my boat to retrieve it, but in seconds a bald eagle swooped in and flew off with it. Drake pintails are large birds, but this eagle flew off carrying the duck with no problem. 
Terry Whitworth