Fact Sheet

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT A FEDERAL
MIGRATORY BIRD TAXIDERMY PERMIT

A Federal Migratory Bird Taxidermy Permit will authorize you to mount or otherwise perform taxidermy work on
migratory birds, their parts, nests or eggs, belonging to someone else. The conditions of a Federal Taxidermy Permit
are very specific. You should review Title 50 Parts 10, 13, 20 (subparts A-B, D-J) and 21.24 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR). You are responsible for reviewing and understanding these regulations before you request
and accept a permit. These regulations can be found on our website at: http://www.fws.gov/permits/ltr/ltr.html.
Below is a review of several sections pertinent to a Federal Migratory Bird Taxidermy Permit.
1. Can I mount migratory game birds with a Federal Taxidermy permit?
Yes. You can receive and mount migratory game birds taken and possessed in accordance with applicable
Federal and State hunting regulations. All such birds must be properly tagged as required by 50 CFR 20.36. The tag
may be removed during taxidermy operations but must be retained and reattached after mounting, and must remain
attached until the specimen is delivered to the owner. (See 50 CFR 21.24(d)(2))
2. Can I mount and sell captive-reared migratory waterfowl?
Yes. You can sell properly marked, captive-reared migratory waterfowl that you have acquired from a
propagator who has a Federal Migratory Bird Waterfowl Sale and Disposal permit. The propagator must give you a
completed Notice of Transfer or Sale of Migratory Waterfowl form (Form 3-186) at the time of the transfer and you
must maintain this form in your files. An additional copy of this Form 3-186 must accompany the mount when the
bird is sold. You may not sell captive-reared migratory waterfowl that have not been mounted, nor may you
sell any migratory bird that has been taken from the wild. (See 50 CFR 21.24(c)(2))
3. Can I mount migratory birds other than waterfowl?
Yes. Protected nongame birds such as songbirds, hawks, and owls can be legally brought to a taxidermist by
game wardens, Federal agents, or holders of appropriate State and Federal permits. Once mounted, these birds can be
legally possessed only by public scientific and educational institutions or individuals or facilities that have a valid
Special Purpose Possession Dead permit. Personal possession of nongame birds is prohibited. English sparrows,
common starlings, and feral pigeons (rock doves) are not native to the United States and are not protected by Federal
law. (See 50 CFR 21.11)
4. Do I need a State permit to perform taxidermy on migratory game birds?
Your permit is not valid unless you also are in compliance with State requirements. This means that if your
State requires you to have a permit to perform taxidermy on migratory game birds, you must hold a valid State permit
in order for your Federal permit to be valid. It is your responsibility to make sure you comply with State permit
requirements.
5. Will anyone inspect my records or taxidermy operation?
By accepting a Federal Taxidermy Permit, you authorize an agent of the Service to enter your premises at
any reasonable hour to inspect the wildlife you hold, your books and records. (See 50 CFR 13.47)
6. What is required to transfer my permit to a new location?
Any address or location changes or other circumstances that affect your permit must be reported to your
Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office in writing within 10 days so your permit can be amended. (See 50 CFR 13.23)
7. How do I renew my permit?
A renewal letter or form will be sent to you at least 60 days prior to the expiration of your permit. If you
wish to renew your permit, you must return the completed renewal to your Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office at
least 30 days prior to the expiration of your permit and include a copy of your current State license, if required. If we
receive your renewal request at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your permit, your permit will remain valid
beyond the expiration date until a decision on your renewal is made. If we receive your renewal request fewer than
30 days prior to expiration of your permit and we are unable to process your request before the expiration date, your
permit will expire and you will no longer be covered for your activity. If you allow your permit to expire before
requesting renewal, you may be required to submit a new application. (See 50 CFR 13.22 and 13.11(c))
(3-200-8)

12/31/2013