Washington Man Pleads Guilty to Eagle Trafficking on Reservation

Travis John Branson admits to killing over 3,600 birds, including bald and golden eagles, for black market sales.

Branson pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy and wildlife trafficking for killing eagles on the Flathead Indian Reservation.
The illegal operation, running from 2015 to 2021, involved selling eagle feathers and body parts across the U.S.
Branson and co-defendant Simon Paul, who remains at large, trafficked eagles or their parts on at least 11 occasions.
Federal law enforcement's crackdown on wildlife trafficking highlights a persistent illegal trade in eagle feathers.
Branson faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine; sentencing is scheduled for July 31.