A feather, or not a feather?

[Kilted Cole]

I think they look very nice. And, I like that pin, too. Also, you can change the feathers from time to time to vary the look. Great idea.

Thank you! I really like this pin as well......it's amazing the finds on ebay from time to time. And yes, varying up different feathers could look very well. Lately I've been wearing a black band in memory of my grandmother, I might be able to switch it up with a crow or a raven feather in place of the black band.

[mookien]

... Lately I've been wearing a black band in memory of my grandmother, I might be able to switch it up with a crow or a raven feather in place of the black band.

A great idea - a unique and fitting remembrance. God bless your grandmother.

[bluebonnet]

Just a word of caution to those who wish to wear feathers of species that may or may not come under the numerous hunting regs and migratory bird acts. Check with your local Fish and Game folks in your specific area as to what feathers are ok to possess and whether you need a permit to own one.

For example, Ravens are protected birds in Alberta, crows are not. Geese and other migratory birds are also protected. In Alberta a naturally molted feather that you find off any of these protected birds may get you into trouble with the F&W. A roadkill of a protected species will require one to have a permit for it. (in AB they are about 10.00 per carcass or for a group of feathers... you have to take the beastie in to the biologist for ID and cause of death then you can have the feathers.)

Travelling stateside may also cause a bit of a border issue if you don't have the right permit for the species of feather you have on you. Check the fed law and state law of your destination. I've seen all sorts of confiscation of attire because of forgetten game laws or laws that don't apply in one country but do in another.

[Dale Seago]

Just a word of caution to those who wish to wear feathers of species that may or may not come under the numerous hunting regs and migratory bird acts. Check with your local Fish and Game folks in your specific area as to what feathers are ok to possess and whether you need a permit to own one.

For example, Ravens are protected birds in Alberta, crows are not. Geese and other migratory birds are also protected. In Alberta a naturally molted feather that you find off any of these protected birds may get you into trouble with the F&W. A roadkill of a protected species will require one to have a permit for it. (in AB they are about 10.00 per carcass or for a group of feathers... you have to take the beastie in to the biologist for ID and cause of death then you can have the feathers.)

Travelling stateside may also cause a bit of a border issue if you don't have the right permit for the species of feather you have on you. Check the fed law and state law of your destination. I've seen all sorts of confiscation of attire because of forgetten game laws or laws that don't apply in one country but do in another.

Comparable issues here in the United States. My paternal aunt Seago Blackstar Whitewolf, a Comanche medicine woman, commissioned a pipe to be made for me. I couldn't have the eagle feather that normally would be attached, so she (a talented silversmith) crafted a silver feather winding around the black pipestone bowl. She also later gave me a tamper crafted from a naturally deceased eagle's wing bone. But that seems to have been lost somehow over the last few years. ;)