Man Sentenced for Killing Thousands of Eagles and Hawks in Montana

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Inside the Russell Smith Federal Courthouse in Missoula on Thursday afternoon, Travis John Branson of Washington State was sentenced for killing thousands of federally protected eagles and hawks on the Flathead Reservation and trafficking their parts to the highest bidders.

Montana’s U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich spoke to reporters outside the courthouse after the sentencing.

Travis Branson Sentenced for Killing Thousands of Eagles and Hawks

“Recognizing that eagles are not merely birds of biological interest, but also this country's national symbol, reflecting America's ideals of freedom and liberty, federal laws were passed to protect bald and golden eagles,” began Laslovich. “Ignoring these laws, Travis Branson and others hunted and slaughtered thousands of eagles on the Flathead Indian Reservation for over 30 years and then sold them on the black market across the United States and elsewhere.”

Laslovich said Branson bragged about what he called ‘killing sprees’.

Laslovich said Branson 'Bragged' About his 'Killing Sprees'

“Mr. Branson bragged about his ‘killing sprees’,” he said. “He butchered each bird and sold its parts for lots of money, and he did it repeatedly without hesitation, year after year after year. His lack of respect for the sanctity of these protected birds was driven by only one thing; greed, as the court said just moments ago.”

Laslovich said Branson will face several years in a federal prison, where there is no opportunity for parole.

“He simply thought that he could do whatever he wanted without any consequences because he had done it for so long,” he said. “That ignorant and illegal thinking ends today. I'm pleased to announce that moments ago Mr. Branson was sentenced to federal prison for his abhorrent and illegal actions. Specifically, he will spend the next 46 months in a federal penitentiary.”

In addition to his prison sentence, Laslovich said Branson is also responsible for financial restitution.

Branson Will Spend Nearly Four Years in Federal Prison and Pay Restitution

“He will pay restitution; or at least was ordered to pay restitution, in the amount of $770,250 which represents $5,000 per eagle killed, and $1,750 per hawk killed. We believe he killed thousands of birds during the relevant time frame, so much so that Mr. Branson bragged that he killed so many birds he couldn't remember.”

Laslovich said the sentencing that occurred on Thursday is just the beginning of legal actions against those responsible.

“We can't get back the hundreds, if not thousands of eagles and hawks that were slaughtered by Mr. Branson, but we can, and we will hold accountable those who are doing so, just as we've done with Mr. Branson today, he said. There's more to come, and we all look forward to justice being served in those cases as well.”

Laslovich had no comment on the identities of others who may have participated in the killing of the protected birds.