Citizen Petition. Require the use of nontoxic ammunition for all hunting in Colorado.

Transcription

1 Citizen Petition Require the use of nontoxic ammunition for all hunting in Colorado.

2 Why? Lead is: Harmful to humans Harmful to wildlife Bad for the environment

3 Banning Lead Lead paint has been banned in the US since 1978 Lead in plumbing banned in 1986 Lead shot for hunting waterfowl banned in 1991 Leaded gasoline banned in 1996 Lead ammunition banned in California Condor ranges in 2007 A complete ban on lead ammunition in CA by 2019

4 The Human Impact Health risks: CDC -No safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Effects of lead exposure cannot be corrected. CO and ND recommend that pregnant women and children not eat game meat captured using lead ammunitions.

5 Effects of Lead Swallowing lead can cause serious health problems and, in extreme cases, even coma and death. Most of the time, however, the effects are subtle and can t be easily seen. In young children, lead can cause: Lower IQs, Learning disabilities,stunted growth, Kidney damage, Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In pregnant women, high lead exposure can cause: Low birth-weight babies, Premature births, Miscarriage, Stillbirth. In adults, lead can cause: High blood pressure, Hearing loss, Infertility.

6 The Animal Impact Lead sickens and kills millions of animals per year. Worldwide, more than 130 species of wild animals, up and down the food chain, from grizzlies to songbirds to earthworms, suffer secondary effects of lead ammunition.

7 Species found to have lead at the Birds of Prey Foundation 10/1/13-9/30/14 Species Total Admitted # positive for Lead % for Species Bald Eagle % Golden Eagle % Turkey Vultures % Rough-legged Hawk Ferruginous Hawk % % Red-tailed Hawk % Raven % American Crow %

8 Lead Poisoned Birds 10 of the 37 birds (27.3%) had levels indicating lead poisoning. 6 were released back to the wild. Lead tests above 15 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dl) indicate definite lead poisoning however symptoms often appear at 8 (µg/dl), need treatment and can be deadly. How many other birds are not rescued and treated?

9 This is a healthy Bald Eagle

10 Bald Eagles being treated for lead poisoning.

11 Golden Eagles being treated for lead poisoning.

12 Xray of Rough-legged Hawk

13 Removing the Lead Shot from a Turkey Vulture

14 Environmental Impact Lead slowly dissolves and enters groundwater, making it potentially hazardous for plants, animals, and perhaps even people if it enters water bodies or is taken up in plant roots.

15 Research Iowa study from of bald eagles admitted to rehab centers showed that 42% had lead poisoning, 17% had lead exposure and only 26% had normal lead levels. There is a seasonal pattern of elevated lead levels in bald eagles that aligns with hunting season. ND - a study was done which identified that 59 of 100 packages of ground venison contained lead

16 Benefits on Non-Lead Ammunition The New York Department of Environmental Conservation lists the following as benefits of non-lead ammunition: Less prone to fragmenting as it is harder than traditional lead. Eliminates bullet fragments in the wound channel as it forms a"mushroom" or peels back upon impact. Delivers devastating hydrostatic energy and shock to a game animal. Yields more high quality meat as it retains % of the original bullet weight. Reduces risk of harming other wildlife, particularly eagles, from getting sick and dying from lead consumption.

17 Non-toxic Ammunition Sample Availability Muzzleloader Ammunition Rimfire Thor Bullets, TomBob ITX, Ecoslug, Wolftech Winchester, CCI, Hornady California Wildlife has certified 35 manufactures as lead free All ads claim that lead free ammunition will not harm barrels

18 November 1, 2014 Immature Bald Eagle admitted with high lead level meaning it was over 66 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dl).

19 THE END