Data Released On Tribal Taking Of Eagles and Hawks For Religious Purposes

An environmental group has obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the 2010 and 2011 data on the number of eagles and red tailed hawks taken for religious purposes by the Hopi Indian tribe under government permits.  Fly Rod and Reel reports that the data was obtained under Freedom of Information Act requests filed by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. The Hopis took 11 golden eagles and 1 red tailed hawk in 2010. They took 18 golden eagles and red tailed hawks in 2011. These were taken mostly from Navajo lands in northeastern Arizona with Navajo permission. Since 1986, they have taken a total of 495 golden eagles and 175 red-tailed and other hawks.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issues the permits under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.