Men Killed Thousands of Eagles Over Years to Sell Parts Illegally
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Two men, Simon Paul and Travis Branson, killed about 3,600 birds including bald and golden eagles over several years to sell eagle parts illegally on the black market.
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They worked with others to hunt and kill the eagles, using tactics like baiting them with a dead deer to shoot them.
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Branson was described as going on a "killing spree" to collect more eagle feathers and parts for future illegal sales.
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The eagle killings occurred primarily on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana, home to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes who use eagles in traditional practices.
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There is a years-long backlog for federally approved requests for eagle parts, which researchers say is driving the black market for eagle feathers and parts.