A Lummi Nation man pleaded guilty in federal court in Seattle on Thursday to illegally shooting two bald eagles on the Lummi Reservation last year, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington. He faces up to 15 years in prison.
Joel David Ridley, 39, was arrested by the Lummi Nation Police Department on Feb. 23, 2025, after a person reported hearing gunshots and seeing Ridley pick two eagles — one of which was dead — off the ground.
The shootings occurred near Lummi View Drive in the area of the Lummi Nation Stommish Grounds.
Ridley denied shooting any eagles, according to court records, but told officers he was part of a ceremonial group. Some religious ceremonies involve bald eagle feathers, and Lummi Tribe members can legally possess, distribute and transport bald or golden eagles found dead on tribal land. However, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act does not allow for taking eagles by shooting, poisoning or trapping.
Officers found a dead bald eagle and a loaded rifle in Ridley’s vehicle. He is not permitted to own a gun due to a 2003 first-degree assault conviction in Whatcom County.
The two eagles were taken to the Whatcom Humane Society in Bellingham. Both had gunshot wounds, and the surviving eagle was euthanized after it was determined it was too injured to survive. Both eagles were confirmed to be juveniles, according to the Department of Justice.
Ridley was indicted by a grand jury on April 16, 2025, for the illegal possession of a firearm and two violations of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. He pleaded guilty Thursday to all three charges.
Unlawful possession of a firearm is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
Ridley’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 25.
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