Fish and Wildlife Renews Alaska Handicraft Paperwork
Published Date: 5/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is renewing a paperwork process for Alaska Native artists in the Northeast Region who make and sell traditional handicrafts. No changes are planned, but they want your feedback by July 17, 2026. This keeps things smooth for artists and the government, with no new costs or extra hassle.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Alaska Natives Allowed to Sell Bird Handicrafts
Alaska Native people may sell authentic handicrafts or clothing that contain inedible parts of migratory birds taken for food during the Alaska spring and summer migratory bird subsistence harvest under 50 CFR 92.6 (final rule amended July 24, 2017). The sale opportunity is described as a small source of additional income considered necessary for the "essential needs" of Alaska Native people in predominantly rural Alaska and is allowed only in strictly limited situations under Article II(4)(b) of the Protocol.
Form 3-2484 and Recordkeeping Requirement
Each Alaska Native article that contains inedible migratory bird parts must be accompanied by FWS Form 3-2484 or a Silver Hand insignia, and sellers, consignees, and purchasers must retain this documentation and produce it on request by law enforcement. The collection is being renewed without change (OMB Control Number 1018-0168); estimated completion time per response is 5 minutes and the total estimated annual nonhour burden cost is none.
Silver Hand Permit Eligibility Rules
To be eligible for a 2-year Silver Hand permit, an Alaska Native artist must be a full-time resident of Alaska, be at least 18 years old, and provide documentation of membership in a federally recognized Alaska Native tribe. The Silver Hand insignia may only be attached to original Alaska-produced contemporary or traditional Alaska Native artwork (not reproductions or manufactured work).
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