As I See It
Nation’s symbol of freedom deserves our protection from lead
We are fortunate, living in this part of the country, to have such an abundant population of bald eagles. Decades ago bald eagles were near extinction, but have since made a steady comeback. We routinely see them flying over the river and marsh in the La Crosse area. However, bald eagles remain threatened, primarily by lead ammunition. Eagles eat the carcasses of animals hunters kill, often ingesting lead ammunition. What can be done about it? A ban on lead ammunition. The Wisconsin Conservation Congress recently held a vote on whether to outlaw lead ammo and switch to bullets made of copper. The proposal also would ban lead sinkers used by fishermen. Amazingly, the resolution failed in a vote by the Congress. Why? Apparently some believe that forcing hunters to use copper bullets is somehow the equivalent of the government taking away people’s guns. 30 states have already banned ammo made of lead, but Wisconsin won’t be next, at least not anytime soon. The nation’s symbol of freedom deserves our protection, and switching to copper bullets and sinkers would help do that.
Walden
May 31, 2024 at 3:40 pm
Rubbish. Eagles and certain other birds were decimated decades ago by pesticide DDT. DDT was subsequently banned and it is largely now out of the ecological system.
Eagles are also known to feed on waterfowl. Lead shot used by duck hunters which ended up on the bottom of waterways was ingested by diver type ducks which then eagles consumed leading to loss of both ducks and eagles. Lead shot used for waterfowl hunting was also banned decades ago and that ban was supported by sportsman even though it resulted in a 4-fold increase in ammunition prices.
These two actions together are responsible for the self evident successful rebound in eagle numbers.
There is almost no lead ingested at this time by eagles. The WCC was presented with no data to support a proposed comprehensive ban on lead ammunition. And that is why the WCC voted to ignore the request. The WCC did vote to support a lead ammunition awareness discussion as part of the hunter education process every hunter must now complete before going afield.
Brian
May 31, 2024 at 4:13 pm
Wow, you really don’t know what you are talking about and have absolutely no clue. Lead shot was banned back in the 1980’s for all wetlands both state and federal. So get your facts straight before you begin to bloviate.
Lucenut
June 3, 2024 at 10:28 am
This Scott Robert Democrat is a complete moron! Get someone more relevant for the station.