New Mexico Pueblos Sue Over Eagle Take Permits
The Pueblo of Santa Clara and Pueblo of Zia are challenging federal permits allowing eagle harvesting at Valles Caldera.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Native American
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Two New Mexico tribes have filed a lawsuit against the federal government to block special use permits for eagle takes at the Valles Caldera National Preserve. The plaintiffs contend the National Park Service failed to consult with them, citing the cultural and sacred significance of the birds.
Why it matters
The legal challenge centers on the balance between tribal cultural practices and federal wildlife management policies. Plaintiffs argue that the preserve should function as a wildlife sanctuary rather than a site for permitted harvesting.
The Valles Caldera National Preserve, where activities are authorized, comprises a collapsed volcanic crater approximately 14 miles in diameter. The National Park Service issued a finding of no significant impact after completing an environmental assessment.
The players
Pueblo of Santa Clara
This federally recognized tribe is one of the plaintiffs challenging federal permitting practices in New Mexico.
Pueblo of Zia
This tribe joined the legal action to oppose the federal government's issuance of eagle take permits within the Valles Caldera.
National Park Service
The federal agency responsible for managing the Valles Caldera National Preserve and authorizing special use permits for wildlife harvesting.
Pueblo of Jemez
This tribe is the recipient of the special use permits to conduct eagle take activities at the national preserve.
The details
The lawsuit, filed on October 26, 2026, claims that previous permits issued in 2023 were granted without mandatory tribal consultation. The Pueblo of Jemez, which applied for the current permit in summer 2026, intends to carry out the activity throughout October and November.
Timeline
In 2023, the Park Service issued an eagle take permit without consulting other tribes.
During summer 2026, the Pueblo of Jemez applied for a special use permit for the preserve.
On October 26, 2026, the plaintiffs filed their lawsuit and the Park Service published its finding.
The Pueblo of Jemez plans to conduct eagle take activities through November 2026.
Culture Shift
The legal challenge directly disputes the current National Park Service special use permit process regarding wildlife management in protected areas. This reflects a broader shift toward greater tribal oversight and consultation in the management of sacred lands across the Southwest.
Residents and visitors to the Valles Caldera National Preserve may see changes to wildlife access or operational procedures during the ongoing legal dispute. The outcome could establish new consultation mandates for federal agencies operating on lands near tribal communities.
The takeaway
The case highlights the growing friction between federal environmental permitting and tribal claims to ancestral and spiritual resources. Readers should monitor court proceedings for potential precedents regarding federal land use and tribal consultation rights.
Further reading
For more context on ongoing tribal affairs in the region, visit the Native American section.
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