Lead ammo important to hunting

Lead ammo important to hunting There have been relentless attempts to stop the use of tradi tional ammunition for hunting and shooting. Well, guess what? It’s back. In 1991, the attempt to ban lead worked somewhat when they were capable of outlawing the use of lead while hunting waterfowl. From what I can remember there argument was two parts: • Lead was dangerous to wounded birds. • The lead shot that ended up in the water and its effect on the environment was dangerous as well. The ban was passed 1991 as we all know and to this day I’m pretty sure there never has been a page of real factual evidence to prove this argument. In 1994, the Environmental Protection Agency EPA proposed a nation wide ban on all lead but it failed. It’s pretty sad that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can ban the use of anything without having evi dence or proof that what they say is true. If what they say is true and it does hurt the animals and environment, then great, by all means eliminate lead from hunt ing. However, first show us the scientific evidence and move on. And with the hunting season fast approaching, the EPA under Lisa Jackson, who was responsi ble for banning bear hunting in New Jersey, is now considering a petition by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) —a leading anti-hunting organization - to ban all traditional ammuni tion under the Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976, a law in which Congress expressly exempted ammunition. If the EPA approves the peti tion, the result will be a total ban on all ammunition containing lead-core components, including hunting and target-shooting rounds. The EPA must decide to accept or reject this petition by November 1, the day before the midterm elections. The cost of non-lead ammuni tion is substantial compared to regular lead shot, besides it’s not as effective as lead. If you enjoy hunting and shooting, I would urge you to write or email your senator and congressman and voice your opinion on the matter. Here are just a few points you can use if you would like: There is no scientific evidence that the use of traditional ammu nition is having an adverse impact on wildlife populations. And a 2008 study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on blood lead levels of North Dakota hunters con firmed that consuming game harvested with traditional ammunition does not pose a human health risk. Recent statistics from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service show that from 1981 to 2006 the number of breeding pairs of bald eagles in the United States increased 724 percent. And much like the bald eagle, raptor populations throughout the United States are soaring. • Are you looking for some thing to do? Then visit West Virginia as the state is having specials at some State Parks. Check it out. September Cabin Specials Mid-week rentals are excel lent times to enjoy the peace and quiet found at a park or forest. There is more opportunity to enjoy facilities and services. Several parks and forests are offering a 20 percent discount for two or more nights in a cabin or cottage, Sunday-Thursday from Sept. 7-30. They include:Beech Fork State Park, Bluestone State Park, Cabwaylingo State Forest, Greenbrier State Forest, Holly River State Park, Kumbrabow State Forest, North Bend State Park, Pipestem Resort State Park, Twin Falls State Park, and Watoga State Park. Advance reservations are encouraged. For information about the September Cabin Special. visit www.wvstateparks .com. E-mail Danny Snyder at dsny der@times.com.