Feds Say Wyo. Tribe’s Bald Eagle Permit A First

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the permit it issued to the Northern Arapaho Tribe allowing it to kill up to two bald eagles for religious purposes is the first of its kind ever issued to an American Indian tribe.

Matt Hogan is assistant regional director for the federal agency in Denver.

Hogan stated Wednesday that to the best of his agency’s knowledge, the permit it issued last week to the Wyoming tribe is the first ever issued allowing a tribe to kill bald eagles. The agency has issued previous permits allowing other tribes to kill golden eagles.

The Northern Arapaho Tribe filed a lawsuit last year seeking the permit. But Hogan says his agency granted it in response to an application the tribe filed years ago.