Rich W, AZ
We spend millions of dollars trying to save this highly endangered species, and yet the mortality rate of the birds is still sky high. Why? Because they are still ingesting lead!
Cathy K, CA
I can't believe that birds and hunters are getting poisoned by lead ammo, especially when there are great alternatives!
John M, TX
GoLeadFree has got it right! Lead is toxic to people and birds. And there are awesome high-tech replacements for lead ammo. We need to get out of the stone ages and switch to modern, non-toxic ammo.
Lead is not good for you, or wildlife
Lead is very neurotoxic to humans and essentially all wildlife, from honeybees to the critically endangered California Condor, which is why lead has been removed from paint, plumbing and gasoline. Lead toxicity is still a significant problem in cities with old lead water pipes, as the cost of replacing the pipes with copper or PVC is high. Lead poisoning can be devastating in children, especially those younger than 6 years old, as it can lead to permanent neurologic damage if it is not diagnosed and treated promptly. There is no safe level of lead exposure. A recent study found that childhood exposure to leaded gasoline via car exhaust over the past 75 years is linked to 151 million excess cases of psychiatric disorders in the United States. A previous study showed that higher exposure to lead in childhood is associated with altered brain structure in midlife.
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Critically endangered California Condors continue to die from lead poisoning primarily because they ingest lead fragments from spent ammunition. These scavengers feed on animal carcasses or gut piles, often left behind by hunters. When animals are shot with lead-based bullets, small fragments of the lead are left in the remains, which the Condors unknowingly consume when feeding. Once ingested, even an amount the size of a piece of rice, the lead can be absorbed from their gut into their bloodstream, leading to lead poisoning. Eagles and other raptors also ingest lead and have been severely impacted. Hunters and their families also often ingest lead, as fine particles of lead are often found in the meat of lead-shot game.
Condors (and eagles!) are exceptionally sensitive to lead poisoning. Lead poisoning affects the Condors' nervous system, causing symptoms such as weakness, lethargy, and digestive issues, eventually leading to death if not treated early. Since California condors are critically endangered, even a small number of deaths from lead poisoning is having a significant impact on the population. Conservation efforts include encouraging hunters to use non-toxic, non-lead (often copper) ammunition, banning lead ammo, and providing veterinary care for condors showing signs of poisoning. Here's what often happens with lead-based ammunition:
Waterfowl often ingest lead shot when bottom-feeding in wetlands where lead shot is used. In 1991, due to waterfowl population health concerns, the federal government officially banned the use of lead shot in waterfowl hunting, and it has been replaced with steel shot or other non-toxic metals. Lead bullets/shot and lead fishing tackle are still a huge problem, and this toxic metal needs to be replaced with safer alternatives.​
Advantages
• Cheap, important if large quantities are used
• Dense, malleable, may create larger wounds
• Versatility - available for nearly all rounds
Disadvantages
• Environmental Impact from lead ingestion
• Fragmentation / meat contamination
• Health Risks, in wildlife, children & adults​
Lead Bullets
Non-Lead Bullets
Advantages
• Environmental Safety & Health Benefits
• Compliance with Regulations
• Improved ballistics, almost no fragmentation
Disadvantages
• Cost may be higher
• Must re-sight scope
• More limited availability
Conclusions
Lead ammunition is cheaper and more traditional, but it comes with significant environmental and health risks, which has lead to growing regulatory restrictions and voluntary lead-free compliance world-wide.
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Non-lead ammunition is safer for both humans and wildlife populations, but it may be more expensive and may require hunters to adjust to different performance characteristics. On the other hand, the ballistics of newer non-lead ammo is often superior to that of lead ammo. Times change!
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There is a movement toward non-lead ammo in many state and national parks and refuges in the U.S. because of the significant impact of lead on the health of critically endangered Condors, Bald Eagles, other raptors, swans, loons, and other waterfowl, and continued concerns about the health impact of lead on humans. The impact of environmental lead has become crystal clear. We need to get lead out of the environment!
The lead from hunting ammunition is a significant part of the problem. As of July 1, 2019, non-lead ammunition is required when taking any wildlife with a firearm anywhere in California. Even the military has acknowledged the lead problem by encouraging non-lead ammo for hunting on bases such as Fort Bliss in Texas. That's progress! But 10-20 MILLION animals are still dying of lead poisoning every year! And Condors remain on the brink of extinction.
What Will It Take?
Perspective
Eat Lead???
Lead is poison. Why would we want it on our public lands and in our food?
Lead from bullets and fishing sinkers continue to poison wildlife, hunters, fishermen, and their families
Partnerships
Rebates!
In Alaska, non-lead Ammo is Eligible for the Rebate Program!
Licensed hunters with a mailing address in Alaska are eligible. Rebate of up to $80 off two boxes of copper rifle ammo!
Agencies
More Rebates!
Seven National Wildlife Refuges to Pilot 2024 Incentive-Based Rebate Program for hunters who voluntarily use lead-free ammunition.
Progress
Reproductive Success!
The previous record was set in 1997, when 15 California condor chicks hatched at the zoo.
Mortality from lead poisoning continues to be the primary impediment to recovery of the species.
Perspective
Like Dumping Lead?
Between 12 - 20 MILLION pounds of lead related to hunting ammo and fishing tackle enters our wetlands and waterways EACH YEAR, per the U.S. Geological Survey.
Eliminating lead bullets isn't anti-hunting; it's pro-human and wildlife health.
Conservation
Hunters Lead The Way!
Over 50 organizations join together and seek to expand the coalition of hunters, anglers and other conservationists dedicated to improving ecosystem and wildlife health by choosing non-lead options.
A partnership to conserve wildlife and hunting heritage!