Lead Ban LogoFor those who feel the lead ammo issue has been a nonstop avalanche of  bad news, you may want to stop reading now. 

According to this article in the Grand Forks Herald, a Minnesota bird rehabilitator, Beth Siverhus, has noted an annual upsurge in the number of bald eagles coming in during the deer seasons.  Following the recent research done in MN that highlighted how much lead a bullet could leave behind, Siverhus apparently began making connections.  After two eagles that were turned in to the raptor center turned out to have high levels of lead, she was certain there was a link.

“With the venison being pulled off food shelves and all of a sudden those articles about raptors with lead poisoning, and then I got three of them,” Siverhus said. “It was time to do something.”

That “something” was to write a Letter to the Editor asking hunters to start looking into alternatives to lead ammo. 

The article goes on to describe how Siverhus and some other researchers have created a fairly compelling case, albeit primarily circumstantial, that lead bullet fragments and lead fishing tackle have been poisoning these birds. 

Now according to the article, Siverhus and the others are not asking for an all-out ban on lead ammunition.  Rather, they’re calling for a voluntary switch… and I have to say, they make an interesting point. 

“That’s one of the things we get a lot — why bother if a few eagles are dying?” Cruz-Martinez said. “First of all, it’s an ethical issue. If you can use another ammo type that will prevent this, why don’t you do it? And we really don’t know the long-term effects of lead on these eagle populations.”“That’s one of the things we get a lot — why bother if a few eagles are dying?” Cruz-Martinez said. “First of all, it’s an ethical issue. If you can use another ammo type that will prevent this, why don’t you do it? And we really don’t know the long-term effects of lead on these eagle populations.”

I tend to agree with the sentiment here.  If we know there are harmful implications to using lead ammo, and if we can switch, then why not?  It comes back to my argument all along, that hunters need to be the ones in the forefront of this issue if we want to see sensible regulations and solutions. 

Here are a few thoughts and ideas:

  • Copper bullets are the best choice for those whose firearms handle them well, and if the hunter can afford them.  However, they are not available in a wide range of chamberings, and they are expensive. 
  • Bullets designed to fragment leave large amounts of lead in the meat, far from the wound.  From an environmental and human health standpoint, these are the worse choice for hunters, but they are the most economical and widely available.
  • Bonded bullets, although they have lead cores, tend to leave minimal lead fragments or residue and are much safer for the wildlife and humans.  They are more expensive than traditional lead bullets, and are not available for all calibers.
  • Shotgun slugs and muzzleloader bullets tend to hold together and leave less lead fragments and residue.   These are good choices as alternatives to centerfire rifles if hunting conditions permit their use. 
  • Shot placement can minimize the potential problems.  Avoid hitting large bones, and keep the shots out of the abdominal cavity.  Wait for a good shot or pass until you get a better opportunity.
  • If possible, dispose of gut piles and carcasses in a safe place.  Burying it is a good option when practical. 

I can’t emphasize enough, if hunters do not proactively attempt to be part of the solution, then the solution may very well not include us at all.  CA’s lead ban should be all the proof of that you need.  A general lead ammo ban is coming from sea to shining sea… maybe sooner, maybe later… but it IS coming.

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