Seaphimfire and Painted Wolf , I agree with what you are saying . I only point out that there is a need to protect those who can't protect theirselves , in this case the Eagle . How far that need goes , is debatable .
Painted Wolf , I know what you are saying , and in truth , I have little use for the laws myself , I just see a need for them , that is all . Like Seaphimfire , and you , I have Eagle feathers myself , illegally I might add . And like Seaphimfire , the feathers were given to me by the bird it's self . No harm done . I have even gone farther and have send a feather to my friend in Seattle .
Shipping animal parts across an international border .
As long as there is no harm done , I couldn't care less about some law . However , as I said , the world has changed . When was the last time you saw a Buffalo roaming free and wild ? They are treated much the same as cattle now .
The Perequine Falcon all but disappeared . Sun Bear .. the list goes on .
I just search for a balance . Nature belongs to us all , if it " belongs " to any . I have held baby Eagle chicks in my hands , feed them from the same hand , and have watched them die all the same . I have heard the thunder of the Eagle's wings , and felt the wind from the same . Does that give me any more right to say what is right for them ? No . But someone must speak out for them . You say that the power of the animal's life still lays in the parts of it's body . I agree . But how much more of that power lays in the living animal it's self ?
I think that there are enough " feathers " if we don't waste them . If our pride and greed don't get the best of us . Yes , pride and greed are the two main dangers I think .
Have either of you heard what they plan to do with the Sun Bear ? They are talking of " farming " them for their gall . Factory farms . The Bear will be raised in small cages just long enough to " harvest " their galls . Some are even talking of " milking " them while still alive . Is that an answer for Eagle too ? Not for me it isn't . And I hope that it isn't for most .
So , what is the answer ?