National Eagle Repository

The National Eagle Repository has changed its operational procedures in response to an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).  Learn more about HPAI and our response in "Our Library" documents.

https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/eagle-repository-documents-forms

Ordering Eagle Parts and Feathers from the National Eagle Repository

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For hundreds of years, Native Americans have used eagle parts and feathers for religious and cultural purposes, including healing, marriage, and naming ceremonies. Recognizing the significance of eagles to Native Americans, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) established the National Eagle Repository (Repository) in the early 1970s to provide Native Americans with the remains, parts and feathers of golden and bald eagles for religious purposes. In order for members of Federally recognized tribes to receive eagle parts, the Service requires a Federal Native American Religious Purposes Permit Application/Order Form be completed and submitted to the Repository.

Starting on October 1, 2021, the Repository will process all eagle feather permit applications. This includes all new applications, amendments (e.g., name change, contact information), and reorders. Tribal members will no longer need to submit a permit application to regional Migratory Bird Permit Offices and then to the Repository. Moving forward, sending applications to the Repository is all that is needed.

Before requesting a permit, the applicant is responsible for reviewing and understanding the following regulations: ·

• Title 50 Parts 10, 13, 21, 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) ·
• Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act

Who may obtain eagles, parts, and feathers from the Repository?

Only enrolled members of Federally recognized tribes who are 18 years of age or older may apply to receive and possess eagles, parts, and feathers from the Repository for religious purposes.

How do I request these items from the Repository?

The Permit Application and Order Form can be found online on the Service's ePermits website: Religious Use Permit.

Applicants can apply for the Native American Religious Purposes Permit (Form 3-200-15A) either electronically or mail a hard copy of the form to the Repository.

If submitted electronically, the permit application will go directly to the Repository and if there are any issues with the permit, a Repository staffer will work directly with the Tribal member to make the necessary corrections.

For first time applicants (Mail in only):

1. Fill out Form 3-200-15A Permit Application and Order Form (located in Our Library on the main page)

2. Have your tribal enrollment office fill out the “Certificate of Enrollment in a Federally Recognized Tribe" form

3. Submit all documentation directly to the Repository at 6550 Gateway Road, Bldg. 128, Commerce City, CO 80022

4. The Repository will process your permit application and, if approved, issue you a lifetime permit to possess eagles or parts (including feathers) from the Repository for religious purposes.

Applicants may only have one pending order at any given time

For Reorders:

1.  Applicants do not have to have their tribal office fill out another Certificate of Enrollment form

2.  Submit completed form directly to the Repository either electronically or by mail

Applicants may only have one pending request on file at any given time. 

The Repository will notify you by mail that your reorder has been received and is in processing. 

What items may Native Americans order from the Repository?

1. Up to one whole Golden or Bald eagle or equivalent parts.

2. Loose feathers.

3. A pair of wings

4. A whole tail

5. A head, pair of talons, or trunk.

You may not order more of any part than is found on one whole eagle.

**Please be aware these are all wild deceased eagles and therefore, the condition of the eagle and feathers are variable.

How many loose feathers may an individual request?

There are two types of loose feather requests. You may only request one or the other but not both and the Loose Feathers cannot be added to a whole bird, pair of wings, or tail order.

10 Quality Loose Feathers:

• These consist of 8 wing feathers and 2 tail feathers.
• Hand- picked.
• No more than 2 tail feathers will be provided per order, due to limited supply.
• No more than 2 plumes will be provided upon request, due to limited supply.
• Wing feathers will be selected half from the left wing and half from the right wing, unless specified all from one side.
• Spike feathers will be utilized.
• Efforts are made to match the best quality feathers available.

20 Miscellaneous Loose Feathers:

• These consist of assorted feathers.
• Includes various type feathers (such as primaries, secondaries, tail, and plumes).
• All 20 plumes may be requested.
• These are lower quality feathers and feather condition cannot be guaranteed.
• Applicants may not customize orders.

May a school request eagle feathers for graduation?

Yes, schools may request eagle feathers to present at graduation to Native American students who are enrolled members of Federally recognized tribes. 

• A representative from the school who is an enrolled member of a Federally recognized tribe should apply at the beginning of the school year for the 20 miscellaneous feather category which has the shortest turnaround time to allow ample time for the order to be processed and feather sets put together. 
• More than one representative may apply. Only one order per applicant may be pending at a time. This includes orders placed for personal use.
• Upon receipt of feathers, applicants may reorder and may continue to do so throughout the year until the number of feathers needed have been acquired.
• Graduation requests are still subject to the first come, first served policy and will not be accelerated to fill the order, please plan accordingly.
• Please write “GRADUATION” on the order form.

What is the status of my order? Where is my order?

• If you know the date received of your request, please use the current wait time list to lookup the approximate time frame for fulfillment.
• If your order is in unreachable status or you have not updated your information and you have since moved or relocated, please contact the repository as soon as possible.
  • If the repository is unable to reach the applicant to fill the order, your order will not go to the bottom of the list but will be put on hold until the Repository is able to verify the order with the applicant directly.
• If you do not know the date received of your request, please contact the Repository by email at repository@fws.gov with “Status Check” in your subject line. This will help the staff find your email and reply sooner. Or by phone at 303-287-2110

How long does it take the Repository to fill orders?

The demand for eagles, parts, and feathers is high, and supplies are limited. The time needed to fill requests will vary depending on the items ordered and as the inventory permits. Estimated time frames for various items are provided here: https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/eagle-repository-documents-forms. The wait times list is updated quarterly.

*Waiting Period is approximate and may be longer than expected for all Golden eagles/parts due to the high demand and low supply.  

How will I be notified if my order is ready to be shipped?

Verify letter or postcards are being utilized to verify the order to be shipped (by regular mail or email, if present).

• The letter/postcard must be signed and returned to continue processing the order and arrange for shipment.
• Expect the letter/postcard 30 days prior to shipment delivery
• The expected delivery date will be notated on the verify letter/postcard.

The order will not be shipped without a signature or the letter returned

Please contact the Repository if you need to make any changes (name or address) to your permit or request a copy.

Ordering Eagle Parts and Feathers from the National Eagle Repository While Incarcerated

Image Details

For hundreds of years, Native Americans have used eagle parts and feathers for religious and cultural purposes, including healing, marriage, and naming ceremonies. Recognizing the significance of eagles to Native Americans, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) established the National Eagle Repository (Repository) in the early 1970s to provide Native Americans with the remains, parts and feathers of golden and bald eagles for religious purposes.

Can I obtain eagle carcasses, parts, and feathers from the Repository while I am incarcerated?

Yes, only enrolled members of Federally recognized tribes who are 18 years of age or older may apply to receive and possess eagle carcasses, parts, and feathers from the Repository for religious purposes. The Repository can only provide what the correctional facility will allow. You must contact the facility’s religious coordinator or chaplain to find out what is allowed before submitting an application or reorder.

How do I request these items from the Repository?

The Permit Application and Order Form can be found online on the Service's ePermits website https://fwsepermits.servicenowservices.com/fws/

For first time applicants:

1. Fill out Form 3-200-15A Permit Application and Order Form

2. Have your tribal enrollment office fill out the “Certificate of Enrollment in a Federally Recognized Tribe" form

3. Submit all documentation directly to the Repository

4. The Repository will process your permit application and, if approved, issue you a lifetime permit to possess eagles or parts (including feathers) from the Repository for religious purposes.

Applicants may only have one pending order at any given time

For Reorders:

1.  Applicants do not have to have their tribal office fill out another Certificate of Enrollment

2.  Submit completed form directly to the Repository

Applicants may only have one pending request on file at any given time. 

Please contact the Repository if you need to make any changes (name or address) to your permit or request a copy.

What items may Native Americans order from the Repository?

The Repository can only send you what the facility allows for possession. You may not order more of any part than is found on one whole eagle.

• Up to one whole Golden or Bald eagle or equivalent parts.
• Loose feathers.
• A pair of wings
• A whole tail
• A head, pair of talons, or trunk

Can I have the entire order sent home, to a family member, or power of attorney? Or can I split the order to receive what I am allowed in the facility and have the rest sent home, to a family member or to a power of attorney?

No, the Repository cannot split the order or send the parts/feathers to a person on the outside. However, you may choose to wait until your release to have the entire order shipped directly to you. Please notify the Repository in writing of your decision to wait until your release for the shipment. Once released, please contact the Repository to update your address and contact information and arrange shipment of your order.

How many loose feathers may an individual request?

There are two types of loose feather requests. You may only request one or the other but not both and the Loose Feathers cannot be added to a whole bird, pair of wings, or tail order.

10 Quality Loose Feathers: These consist of 8 wing feathers and 2 tail feathers.

• Hand- picked.
• No more than 2 tail feathers will be provided per order, due to limited supply.
• Wing feathers will be selected half from the left wing and half from the right wing, unless specified all from one side.
• Spike feathers will be utilized.
• Efforts are made to match the best quality feathers available.

20 Miscellaneous Loose Feathers: These consist of assorted feathers.

• Includes various type feathers (such as primaries, secondaries, tail, and plumes).
• All plumes may be requested.
• These are lower quality feathers and feather condition cannot be guaranteed.
• Applicants may not customize orders.

How long does it take the Repository to fill orders?

The demand for eagle carcasses, parts, and feathers is high and supplies are limited. The time needed to fill requests will vary depending on the items ordered and as the inventory permits.  Waiting Period is approximate and may be longer than expected for all golden eagles/parts due to the high demand and low supply.

Contact with the Chaplain must be made prior to an order being sent to the applicant. Not all facilities have chaplains so, contact will be made with the spiritual leaders, liaisons, property managers, or other facility representative. 

Please contact the Repository if you need to make any changes (name or address) to your permit or request a copy.