Birds of a Feather

Ohio's Shawnee Indians regularly violate the state's bird-protection law by plucking feathers from eagles, hawks and even robins for their ceremonial headdresses. No one has ever been arrested, but some Indians insist that the fowl law slights their heritage, and they persuaded State Representative Edward Orlett to do something about it.

He sponsored a bill that would allow Indians to gather feathers legally, but only if they complied with four pages of regulations. Pluckers would have to 1) prove that they are Indians; 2) obtain permits from the Ohio Division of Wildlife; 3) remove plumage only from birds that had been found dead; and 4) not give away any feathers, though they could be bequeathed to another Indian. The bill floated through the Ohio house of representatives last week by a vote of 78 to 17, but may be shot down in the state senate. Jeered State Senator John Kasich: "This is a perfect example of government at its silliest."

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