First, I own a modest (by the standards of this group) collection of SXS, the vast majority are Parkers and none can shoot steel. I do more skeet than hunting nowadays but cussed when lead was banned for waterfowl in 1991 and when California set the rules banning all lead in 2017.
However, at the risk of bringing down the wrath of my fellow members, I must admit that, as big as a pain in the behind the new laws are to those of us who shoot vintage guns, I can see the point.
First, lead is toxic and the shot quickly gets into the system, especially in the areas of concentrated hunting (clubs and public waterfowl areas) via the raptors and many mammals who feed off of the wounded birds. Upland game hunters loose birds, even with the best of dogs. Also, many hunters will take long shots and wound birds, like it or not. A hunting license does not require an IQ test.
I saw many raptors circling the local pheasant hunting areas recently, feeding on lost birds. I like watching raptors and have really enjoyed the come-back of the Falcons and other species that occurred after DDT was banned. I also remember back when Red-Tailed Hawks were called "chicken hawks" and frequently shot at in the countryside.
There are, albeit very expensive (especially for those who do not reload) alternatives to lead. At the prices, you might think RST was substituting gold for lead...The flip side is that we use very few shells when hunting most upland game other than doves. The expense is usually minimal in contrast to that of that Parker in your hands, your dog, and all of that gear.
I Goggled up the subject and here was the first of thousands of hits-it summarizes hundreds of studies and lists, a few pages down, over 150 wild animals that are poisoned by lead shot:
https://www.peregrinefund.org/subsit...7%20Tranel.pdf
I doubt that many will agree with me, but I have come to believe that for hunting areas it makes sense to get the lead out-as we did with toothpaste tubes and tetraethyl lead in gasoline.
Respectfully,
Patrick
Quote:
Originally Posted by John Dallas
Boy, I'd sure like to see the "science" behind this piece of legislation.
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