Responsibly Sourcing Natural Items And Souvenirs

While I generally discourage the taking of items from nature and hiking trails, the great outdoors has much to offer in terms of collectible items and souvenirs. Outside of the largely untouched areas like national parks and wildlife preserves, sourcing items like shells, feathers, and stones from other locations like parks, public beaches, and your own backyard is, generally, an acceptable way to collect nature's beautiful offerings.

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Feathers

Feathers are more complicated than they seem. If you find a feather lying about that catches your attention, think before picking it up and taking it home with you. The possession of feathers from native North American birds (without a proper permit) is illegal, and can result in a hefty fine. Native and migratory birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), which prevents the killing and collection of native birds as well as the trade of their feathers, regardless of how they were obtained. This means that even molted feathers are prohibited.

Exceptions to feather collecting does exist, however. Legally-hunted waterfowl and other gamebirds are excluded from the MBTA, and as such are fair game. Souvenirs, art, jewelry, and clothing containing the feathers of non-native birds and/or permitted gamebirds are permitted:

• Non-native birds in North America include:

○ European Starlings

○ House Sparrows

○ Eurasian Collared Doves

○ Ring-Necked Pheasants

○ Feral/Rock Pigeons

○ House Finch

• Gamebirds and legally hunted waterfowl include:

○ Wild Turkey

○ Grouse

○ Pheasant

○ Canada Goose

○ Some Duck Species

Those looking to collect bird feathers should confer with their local and state laws, as well as properly identify the species the feather came from before adding it to their collection.

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Bones, Claws, and Teeth

Much like feathers, the legality of owning and collecting the bones of deceased animals changes based on the local and state laws of an area. Typically, it is legal to keep the antlers an bones of deer, elk, and moose that have been either hunted or naturally shed. In fact, most animal bones found naturally can be kept, except for those pertaining to most birds and marine animals. Of course, endangered and/or exotic species should also be left alone.

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Stones and Fossils

Stones and fossils you may stumble across on a walk through the park or along the beach are completely fine to take. In Michigan, the Petoskey stone is a popular and famous natural souvenir only found along the coasts of some of the Great Lakes. The stones are, actually, coral fossils!

However, in several states, certain types of fossils are protected by laws and regulations. It also may depend on where, exactly, you found the fossil.

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Beach Glass

Beach or sea glass is completely fine for the taking! These beautiful shards are colorful pieces of broken bottles and other glass items that have been naturally weathered, smoothed, and rounded over the years by crashing waves and erosion. Technically, sea glass could be considered litter, but it is so beautiful and widely collected that many people consider it anything but. Common colors of beach glass are white, green, and brown. More sparse colors include light green, light blue, dark blue, and amber. The most serious collectors of beach glass will tell you that red, pink, and yellow sea glass are more rare and hence more cherished.

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Shells

Much like materials originating from other living species, the collection of shells from certain areas is not permitted. However, typically, collecting shells from public beaches is allowed and is a popular activity for outdoorsmen. As long as the shell is empty and does not contain living creatures like crabs or snails, taking home shells is usually permitted.

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As long as you do your due diligence and research the legality of owning and collecting (and selling!) materials from nature, scavenge away!