Getting a COA registered

[SlackerDrummer]

So the bottom line question is this: "If I assume a Coat of Arms and register it with an American institution can I wear my crest with an eagle feather in a bonnet at Clan events?"

I have thought about this and for me it doesn't matter whether or not I can. I wouldn't. Wearing a feather with your crest is a Scottish custom and is meaningless outside of Scottish heraldry. My arms are not Scottish arms as Scottish arms come from Lord Lyon.

To that end, of course, one should only ever consider wearing the silver feathers that are part of one's cap badge to any events in this country unless they are foreigners and the feathers came with them from home. Just possessing bald or golden eagle feathers in this country is illegal unless you have a permit* and carries a possible fine of up to $5000 and a year in jail, regardless of how meaningful they are in your ancestral customs. That goes for everyone including clan chiefs.

*Permits for eagle feathers are only available to American Indians for religious purposes.