Lead Shot and Sinkers Implicated in Fish, Wildlife Health
Millions of pounds of lead used in hunting, fishing, and
shooting sports wind up in the environment each year and can
threaten or kill wildlife, according to a new scientific report.
Although lead shot was banned for waterfowl hunting in 1991, its
use in ammunition for upland hunting, shooting sports, and in
fishing tackle remains common. While noting that more
information is needed on some aspects of the impact of lead on
wildlife, the authors said that numerous studies already
documented adverse effects to wildlife, especially waterbirds
and scavenging species, like hawks and eagles. Lead exposure
from ingested lead shot, bullets, and fishing sinkers also has
been reported in reptiles, and studies near shooting ranges have
shown evidence of lead poisoning in small mammals. Frequently
used upland hunting fields may have as much as 400,000 shot per
acre. Individual shooting ranges may receive as much as 1.5 to
23 tons of lead shot and bullets annually,