Exploring the Weeks-McLean Act: A Pioneering Law in Wildlife Protection

Q: Why was the Weeks-McLean Act important?

It established the framework for regulating migratory bird hunting and set the stage for future laws.

Q: What replaced the Weeks-McLean Act?

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 replaced it, providing more comprehensive protections for migratory birds.

Definition & Meaning

The Weeks-McLean Act, enacted on March 4, 1913, was the first federal law in the United States aimed at regulating the hunting of migratory birds. This legislation granted the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to establish nationwide hunting seasons for these birds. The Act specifically prohibited the spring hunting and marketing of migratory birds, as well as the importation of wild bird feathers for use in women's fashion.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

The Weeks-McLean Act is primarily relevant in the context of wildlife conservation and agricultural law. It laid the groundwork for subsequent legislation, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which further strengthened protections for migratory birds. Legal professionals may encounter this Act when discussing historical wildlife regulations and their evolution over time. Users can manage related legal matters through tools like US Legal Forms, which offer templates for compliance with current wildlife regulations.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

One example of the Weeks-McLean Act in action is the establishment of specific hunting seasons for species like ducks and geese, which are migratory birds. This regulation helps maintain their populations and ensures sustainable hunting practices. Another example is the prohibition on the sale of certain bird feathers, which protects species that might otherwise be endangered by fashion trends. (hypothetical example)

Relevant laws & statutes

The primary law related to the Weeks-McLean Act is the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which replaced it and expanded protections for migratory birds in the U.S. This Act is significant for its role in international treaties concerning wildlife conservation.

Comparison with related terms

Term	Description	Key Differences
Weeks-McLean Act	First U.S. law regulating migratory bird hunting.	Focused on hunting seasons and feather importation.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act	Comprehensive law protecting migratory birds.	Broader protections and enforcement mechanisms.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in hunting migratory birds or dealing with bird feathers, it is crucial to understand current regulations. Consult the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for the most relevant guidelines. For assistance, consider using US Legal Forms to access legal templates that can help ensure compliance with wildlife laws. If your situation is complex, seeking professional legal advice may be necessary.

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Quick facts

Effective Date: March 4, 1913
Authority: Secretary of Agriculture
Prohibitions: Spring hunting and feather importation
Replaced by: Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

What is the Weeks-McLean Act?

It is the first federal law in the U.S. that regulated the hunting of migratory birds.