A shocking case of illegal wildlife trafficking has come to light, as Washington state man Travis John Branson is set to plead guilty to helping kill over 3,000 birds, including eagles on a Montana Indian reservation, and then illegally selling their carcasses and feathers. Branson, along with a second suspect, Simon Paul, allegedly engaged in a yearslong "killing spree" on the Flathead Indian Reservation and elsewhere. Feathers and other parts of eagles and other birds are highly prized among many Native American tribes for use in sacred ceremonies and during powwows.

The indictment against the two men includes details of how they worked with others to hunt and kill the birds, using tactics such as using a dead deer to lure an eagle that was then killed. Branson, who was released from custody following a court appearance, faces years in prison and substantial fines under the terms of the plea agreement. The indictment also alleges that text messages obtained by investigators showed Branson and others boasting about being "on a killing spree" to collect more eagle tail feathers for future sales.

Bald eagles are the national symbol of the United States, and both bald and golden eagles are considered sacred by American Indians. The law prohibits anyone without a permit from killing, wounding, or disturbing eagles, or taking their nests or eggs. Even taking feathers found in the wild can be a crime. Federally recognized tribes can apply for permits with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to take a bald or golden eagle for religious purposes, but there is a lengthy backlog of requests that researchers say is driving the black market for eagle parts.

The case has drawn attention to the issue of illegal wildlife trafficking and the need for stricter enforcement to protect these majestic birds. Bill Voelker, a member of the Comanche Nation, emphasized the importance of prosecuting buyers of eagle feathers in order to disrupt the market and prevent further harm to these creatures. As the investigation continues, the full extent of the damage caused by Branson and Paul's actions is yet to be determined.