FAQ: Can I use feathers?

FAQ: Can I use feathers?

The use of feathers from either a game bird (quail, ducks, doves, etc.) or a nongame bird (blue jay, woodpeckers, flickers, etc.) are prohibited by both statute and rule (A.R.S 17-309A18 and R12-4-307H1c).

This restriction does not apply to feathers from pigeons, domestic fowl such as chickens, white ducks or white turkeys since these feathers are not from a game or a nongame bird. These feathers may be used both inside and, now with the new rule change, outside a confinement trap.

The use of feathers with foothold traps is not recommended.

The definitions found in R12-4-301 define “Sight-exposed bait” as “a carcass or parts of a carcass lying openly on the ground or suspended in a manner so that it can be seen from above by a bird…” This includes any feather from any bird.

Although feathers placed in a dirt hole set and not visible from above by a bird may initially be lawful, it is easy for this set to become unlawful when the feathers are blown or removed from the hole by the wind, birds, or rodents. Once the feathers are visible from above by a bird the set becomes unlawful and in violation of R12-4-307H3. (A trapper shall not set a foothold trap within 30 feet of sight-exposed bait.)