Can Buying A Duck Mount At A Rummage Sale Result In Jail Time?

It's that time of year, Rummage Sale Season.

We have all probably come across mounted ducks or geese at rummage sales before?  I've also seen them several times on Facebook Marketplace for sale right here in Bismarck Mandan.  I've also seen mounted waterfowl for sale on other websites like eBay before too.  No big deal right?  It's just grand pa's big old Canada goose from 1984 collecting dust and taking up space.  Why not see if you can get a few bucks for it?

Is it even legal to sell migratory taxidermy birds or parts?

What's really surprising to most people this is highly illegal.  It's a very old, archaic law but it could result in jail time and a hefty fine for both the seller and buyer.  It stems from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-712) of 1918.  Back when market hunting was prevalent in this country and this law was created to help stop the decimation of bird populations.

It could really hit you in the wallet and even land you in jail.

You see it's illegal to buy, sell or barter Migratory bird parts.  That means if you wanted to buy some Mallard feathers for a craft project it would be considered illegal if it came from a wild bird.  Same with mounted taxidermy migratory birds and even eggs. The penalty for doing so comes with a hefty fine and even jail time.  Try up to a $15,000 dollar fine, 6 months in jail, or both?  I've even heard of the Fed's doing sting operations to try to catch people online.   YIKES, all for buying some mounted duck for your cabin at a rummage sale?  Yep, it's an outdated law in my opinion, and should be done away with.  After all, market hunting hasn't happened in decades and laws are already in place already to protect populations from overhunting of species.

The only exception to this rule is if you buy a captive-reared migratory bird with all the proper paperwork.

So, do your due diligence while shopping at rummage sales or online if you happen to see a duck or goose mount for sale.  Otherwise, you could be out of duck!