Washington State Man Faces Sentencing for Killing Eagles in Trafficking Ring

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 Thursday by a federal judge.

The trafficking ring sold eagle feathers and parts on a black market catering to high demand among tribal members for use in powwows and other ceremonies. The operation, which lasted for years, was centered on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Prosecutors reported that at least 107 hawks and possibly as many as 3,600 birds were killed overall.

Travis John Branson of Cusick, Washington, pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy and wildlife trafficking charges. Another person has been indicted, with prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office indicating involvement from others as well.

The prosecutors requested U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen in Missoula to impose a "significant" prison sentence and order over $750,000 in restitution. This includes $5,000 for each eagle killed and $1,750 for each hawk. Branson faces a potential five-year prison sentence on the conspiracy charge.

Branson's public defender has requested probation, arguing that the number of birds killed was overstated. Federal Defender Andrew Nelson also challenged the restitution amount, asserting it is excessive and that hawks should not be included.

Branson has no previous criminal record. Due to the charges, he lost his job as a maintenance supervisor for the Kalispell Tribe in Washington and suffered a stroke in April.

This case highlights the persistence of an illegal trade in eagle feathers despite law enforcement efforts over the past decade that led to numerous indictments across the U.S. West and Midwest.

• Bald eagles, once endangered, have significantly recovered and now thrive.
• Golden eagles’ recovery is fragile, with the population threatened by various factors such as shootings and collisions with wind turbines.

Buying or selling eagle feathers or parts is illegal. The government offers feathers for free from a federal repository, but this cannot satisfy demand, leading to a significant backlog.

According to court records, Branson earned between $180,000 and $360,000 from 2009 to 2021 by illegally selling bald and golden eagle parts. Branson reportedly expressed in a January 2021 text that he was going on a "killing spree" to acquire eagle tails.

Prosecutors described Branson's actions in court filings:

"It was not uncommon for Branson to take upwards of nine eagles at a time. Not only did Branson kill eagles, but he hacked them into pieces to sell for future profits."

The second defendant, Simon Paul, of St. Ignatius, Montana, is still at large. A federal judge issued an arrest warrant after he missed an initial court hearing, with documents suggesting he has fled to Canada.

Federally recognized tribes can apply for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permits to take a bald or golden eagle for religious purposes. Tribal members can also apply for feathers and parts from the National Eagle Repository in Colorado and other non-government repositories.

• Eagle feathers are a significant cultural symbol, used in various ceremonies.