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Check out
this opinion piece in the Los Angeles Times about who
has the rights to ownership of the Garden Planet
Real Birds:
Restricting use of
lead shot in California wildlife areas
I know this isn't popular with hunters
but after the recent death of two critically endangered
condors due to lead poisoning, something needs to be done.
This action would remedy a
loophole in the law that creates a danger for birds and
other wildlife
Emeryville, CA – In an effort to remove
a loophole in the law that creates a dangerous environment
for birds and other wildlife, Audubon California has asked
the California Fish and Game Commission to consider a ban on
the use of lead shot in state wildlife areas.
Due to widespread consensus that the use
of lead shot for waterfowl hunting poses a significant
danger in wetland environments, federal law bans such use.
However, the use of lead shot for upland game is currently
allowed on most state wildlife areas, and often results in
lead being introduced into wetland environments anyway.
Research now shows that both wetland and upland birds will
ingest spent lead shot, and that this creates the potential
for devastating effects on these bird populations.
“Allowing this situation to continue is
inconsistent with the state’s mission to manage these
wildlife areas to the highest standards,” said Dan Taylor,
director of public policy for Audubon California. “These
areas are islands of habitat that serve as magnets to
wildlife and human visitors with excellent wildlife viewing,
fishing and hunting opportunities.”
California is behind other states in
recognizing and addressing this problem. Twenty-five states
have lead shot prohibitions for hunting beyond those
required by the federal government for waterfowl. Of the 40
states that allow dove hunting, 16 have some level of
nontoxic shot requirements specific to dove hunting.
Assemblyman Pedro Nava, who recently
helped pass a state law prohibiting the use of lead
ammunition in areas inhabited by the California Condor
because of the dangers that it posed for that endangered
species, noted that it is vital that the state take these
steps to protect the wildlife under its care. “The science
is increasingly clear that lead shot poses a real danger to
bird populations on these lands,” said Nava, who is
currently drafting legislation along these lines. “With
viable alternatives to lead shot – this is just a
no-brainer.”
In its communications with the
Commission, Audubon California noted the crucial role
hunters play in wildlife management and conservation,
particularly in funding through licenses and excise taxes on
sporting equipment sales. This policy change should appeal
to hunters, given that inaction stands to erode both wetland
and upland bird populations – and diminish hunting
opportunities.
“We would expect hunters to embrace and
quickly adapt to the new regulations, as they did with the
ban on lead shot for waterfowl,” said Taylor. “There is no
reason to choose between conservation and recreation on
these lands.” (from
Audubon California)
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