
(StraightShooterNews.com) – In a shocking case of wildlife trafficking, a Washington state man has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison for leading a ring that slaughtered thousands of eagles and hawks on Native American land.
Travis John Branson’s conviction sheds light on a massive illegal operation that ravaged bird populations on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana.
From 2015 to 2021, Branson and his accomplices killed at least 3,600 birds, including 118 eagles and 107 hawks, to sell their parts on the black market.
This frivolous destruction of protected species not only violates federal law but also desecrates the cultural and spiritual practices of Native American tribes.
The scale of this environmental crime is staggering. Prosecutors revealed that Branson had been involved in killing birds since the 1980s, with instances of dozens being shot in a single weekend.
The trafficking ring, which had been operating since 2009, was responsible for the deaths of 300 to 400 birds annually.
Branson, identified as the ringleader, instructed others on where and when to shoot birds and arranged sales, making between $180,000 and $360,000 from his illegal activities.
U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen did not mince words when sentencing Branson, stating, “If you had not been caught you’d still be doing it today.”
“His lack of respect for the sanctity of these protected birds was driven by only one thing: greed,” U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said following the hearing.
Moreover, Laslovich added that those who purchased the feathers shared responsibility for the killings. The prosecutor said he wanted to put buyers on notice that their conduct is a federal crime.
The methods employed by Branson and his co-conspirators were as cruel as they were effective. They set out carcasses to lure eagles and shot them from the air while hawks were picked off from power poles.
Juvenile golden eagles were particularly targeted for their prized black and white feathers, which were highly sought after in Native American ceremonies.
In addition to his prison sentence, Branson was ordered to pay $777,250 in restitution and serve three years of supervised release.
Even though this punishment is significant, many conservationists argue it is not enough given the irreparable harm done to eagle and hawk populations.
This case highlights the ongoing battle between wildlife protectors and those who would exploit our natural resources for personal gain.
While federally recognized tribes can apply for permits to take eagles for religious purposes, the demand far exceeds the supply from government repositories.
This imbalance creates opportunities for criminals like Branson to profit from the black-market trade in eagle feathers and parts.
In addition, it is clear that current wildlife protection laws need to be strengthened and more rigorously enforced.
The Branson case should serve as a rallying cry for conservationists, lawmakers, and patriotic Americans alike to come together in defense of America’s natural heritage.
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