Resources related to Laws and Policies

Wind Power, Wildlife and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act: A Way Forward

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW [Vol. 38:1167
The “challenges facing wind energy remain both substantial and complex.Wildlife impacts
serve as one such obstacle for the wind industry, and as wind power expands in the United
States, so too do concerns about the impact of wind farms on avian and bat species.
In Part II we discuss anthropogenic effects on avian and bat species with particular emphasis
on wind turbines. In Part III, we provide a broad overview of the U.S. wildlife laws most pertinent

Birding in the United States: A Demographic and Economic Analysis

This 2009 report provides up-to date information so policy makers can make informed decisions regarding
the management of birds and their habitats. With a total annual Output of $82 Billion this constituency of
48 miilion bird observers can aid bird conservation.
SUMMARY OF ECONOMIC IMPACTS
Birders 47,693,000
Total Expenditures $35,727,724,000
Total Output $82,176,751,000
Jobs 671,000
Employment Income $27,695,934,000

The Pragmatic Migratory Bird Treaty Act: Protecting “Property”

Abstract: In 1916, the United States of America entered into a treaty with the United Kingdom, acting on behalf of Canada, to protect migratory birds from unrestrained killing. Two years later, Congress enacted the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) to give effect to this convention. The United States subsequently entered into similar agreements with Mexico in 1936, Japan in 1972, and the Soviet Union in 1976, which were thereafter incorporated into the provisions of the MBTA.

Jeffrey Foiles, of Pleasant Hill, Illinois Faces Charges in Canada and US

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A federal grand jury in Springfield, Ill., returned a 23-count felony indictment Thursday charging Jeffrey B. Foiles with conspiracy, wildlife trafficking, and making false writings in connection with the illegal sale of guided waterfowl hunts.
The charges relate to alleged violations of Canadian hunting and criminal laws occurring between 2003 and 2007, including:
causing unnecessary pain and suffering to a bird contrary to the Criminal Code;
taking over the daily bag limit of geese;
taking over the daily bag limit of ducks;

Duck Poacher Forfeits Gear and Vehicle

Duck Poacher Forfeits Gear and Vehicle,
Barry L. Stokes, of Cape Freels, was sentenced today in Provincial Court in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, for hunting violations under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994.
Mr. Stokes received a $1,000 fine, under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, for hunting Eider ducks, which are migratory game birds, during closed season. He was also fined $1,000 for using lead shot to hunt migratory game birds.
In addition, Mr. Stokes received a two-year suspension from hunting migratory birds.

Where are all the sea ducks?

Where are all the sea ducks? Word is oldsquaw and scoters are very scarce this year. I heard a fellow say the other day at Canadian Tire the best time to hunt Eiders down the shore is March and April. Large groups of them come in on the mussel beds at lower tide to feed providing a great shot. But isn't the season closed in March and April? I also know of hunters who claim to know ducks and call mergansers, sea ducks and believe you can hunt them all winter because they are common in ocean bays in the winter. Something should be done to stop duck poaching in the spring.

Poachers Hit with Large Fines and Hunting Suspensions for Violations under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994

GANDER, NL -- May 9, 2011 -- A two-year investigation by Environment Canada's Enforcement Branch into the excessive harvest and illegal selling of migratory birds in the Twillingate and New World Island areas of Newfoundland and Labrador has resulted in convictions and heavy fines for local poachers.
Hardy Brian Dove, age 55 of Twillingate, pleaded guilty on April 11, 2011 in Provincial Court in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador to charges under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994.

United States Poacher Fined for Violations of Canadian Laws While Hunting Waterfowl

EDMONTON, Alta. -- October 19, 2011 -- Jeffrey Foiles, of Pleasant Hill, Illinois, was fined a total of $14,500 today in Edmonton Provincial Court on five counts of violations against Canadian law protecting migratory birds, and one count under the Criminal Code of Canada. Foiles had pleaded guilty on September 14, 2011, to committing the violations between 2004 and 2007 while hunting waterfowl and filming a series of commercial hunting videos in Canada.
Under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, the specific counts and fines include:

Draft 2011 Pacific Flyway Data Book

The following briefing material has been assembled for use by the Pacific Flyway Council and by U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
personnel in formulating recommendations for the 2011-2012 waterfowl hunting seasons. This collection of harvest, population,
and hunter data can also serve as a desk-top reference for providing responses to inquiries from agency personnel, the media, and public.
A few points to mention with regard to the information contained in this report:

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