What is the Migratory Bird Treaty Act?

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) is a federal law that protects certain species of migratory birds in the United States. The law was enacted in 1918 in response to the practice of wanton killing birds for their feathers and eggs. The MBTA is a part of most state laws, including North Carolina. The MBTA prohibits the hunting, taking, killing, possession, sale, purchase, transportation, or export of migratory birds, their eggs, parts, and nest without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or other applicable federal agency. This law applies to all migratory birds except for a few species explicitly excluded by the regulations. The MBTA is a powerful law and violations can result in significant penalties, including fines of up to $15,000 or imprisonment of up to six months. It is important that recreational hunters, birders, and other outdoor enthusiasts understand and comply with the MBTA to avoid unintentional violations. North Carolina has additional regulations to protect migratory birds. For example, the state prohibits the hunting of mourning doves and any species of migratory game birds in the state except during an authorized open season. The state also has a strict bag-limit and size limit for most migratory species. By following the MBTA and state regulations, residents of North Carolina can continue to enjoy the privilege of hunting and observing migratory birds without compromising the conservation of these species.

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What is the Migratory Bird Treaty Act?

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