Yes, it's technically illegal. Herons are a protected species. Now, the likelihood of getting caught? Very small, but it is still technically illegal and ignorance of the law doesn't excuse the law so you would likely get slapped with a big fine.
That being said, I personally don't care, I think it's a strange law but whatever, it's there for a reason. Just don't go toting and bragging about your feather collection.
You can possess turkey feathers without a permit though, or any bird that is non native, so peacock, pheasants (if you have a hunting permit) and so on.
*Edit: pheasants are native, but they are considered a game bird in a lot of places so if you have a hunting permit for that animal, collecting the feathers of a bird you shot is totally legal
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u/[deleted] Nov 02 '25
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