2008 Woodie Awards
Lead bullets threaten the California Condor
Hunters can't use lead bullets to hunt big game in So-Cal anymore
Elizabeth Hilbig
Issue date: 1/23/08 Section: Community
Is there a Lead Ban Headed for Humboldt, and for the Nation Next?
Anthony Prieto hunted for several years using lead bullets to take down deer and bears in Southern California. But then Prieto had a friend lose his lunch from eating fresh, hunted meat. Prieto soon discovered his bullet left fragments in the meat. And when he learned his friend could suffer neurological damages from lead, this spurred him to find alternatives to lead.
Following a controversial ban on lead bullets in Southern California condor territory, conservation activists and scientists in Humboldt and across the nation are considering similar steps to reduce lead poisoning in the environment. But hunters remain divided over the merit of such a ban.
After years of research by state agencies and mounting voices of concern among public conservation groups, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill banning lead bullet use in condor range. The ban, covering 15 southern counties, goes into affect July 2008. It aims to protect the endangered California condor from lead poisoning, since the birds feed on discarded carcasses and consume tiny fragments of lead bullets hidden in the meat. But from Arizona to Canada, more governments began taking steps to fully eliminate the lead-based bullets from the market.
Humboldt State Plant Operations employee Dana Porter began hunting 25 years ago. He hunts elk, deer, ducks, and whatever is in season. He said lead only affects people if they directly consume it, or handle it.
" I don't see the concern," he said. " I think the ban is a waste of time and money."
He said that when he uses lead bullets, he feels safe. He feels confident that after he kills an animal, the butcher removes all the lead in the meat. Porter doesn't know anyone who became sick because of lead in the meat that they killed.
He said that very few hunters dress and package the animals that they kill out in the field. They bring horses along to lug the meat out. This ensures that nothing is left behind to sicken animals that scavenge for food.
Anthony Prieto hunted for several years using lead bullets to take down deer and bears in Southern California. But then Prieto had a friend lose his lunch from eating fresh, hunted meat. Prieto soon discovered his bullet left fragments in the meat. And when he learned his friend could suffer neurological damages from lead, this spurred him to find alternatives to lead.
Following a controversial ban on lead bullets in Southern California condor territory, conservation activists and scientists in Humboldt and across the nation are considering similar steps to reduce lead poisoning in the environment. But hunters remain divided over the merit of such a ban.
After years of research by state agencies and mounting voices of concern among public conservation groups, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill banning lead bullet use in condor range. The ban, covering 15 southern counties, goes into affect July 2008. It aims to protect the endangered California condor from lead poisoning, since the birds feed on discarded carcasses and consume tiny fragments of lead bullets hidden in the meat. But from Arizona to Canada, more governments began taking steps to fully eliminate the lead-based bullets from the market.
Humboldt State Plant Operations employee Dana Porter began hunting 25 years ago. He hunts elk, deer, ducks, and whatever is in season. He said lead only affects people if they directly consume it, or handle it.
" I don't see the concern," he said. " I think the ban is a waste of time and money."
He said that when he uses lead bullets, he feels safe. He feels confident that after he kills an animal, the butcher removes all the lead in the meat. Porter doesn't know anyone who became sick because of lead in the meat that they killed.
He said that very few hunters dress and package the animals that they kill out in the field. They bring horses along to lug the meat out. This ensures that nothing is left behind to sicken animals that scavenge for food.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 9
mandy bray
posted 1/28/08 @ 10:34 PM PST
I didn't read the article. I couldn't get past the title of the continued article on pg. 12 of the paper version:
"Ban on lead bullets seeked." Hello? Isn't this a college publication? My computer has even noticed the made-up word. (Continued…)
Hilarty ensues
posted 1/30/08 @ 11:50 AM PST
Oh brave Dave,
It takes courage to defend yourself against stupidity. It also takes a lot of assurance that your defense is free of alleged faults.
I'm sure you're excited and all antsy-in-the-pantsy to be news editor, which means you need to make sure more than ever your public comment reflects the quality demanded of your newly acquired title. (Continued…)
Before it escapes
posted 1/30/08 @ 11:54 AM PST
For the sharp marbles out there who will inevitably show, yes 'hilarty' is a stab at sloppy headlines, and 'sought' is, well, a stab at no news editor in particular. (Continued…)
Whatever
posted 2/09/08 @ 2:28 PM PST
Whatever,
Do you even have a job? A life? You seem to spend a lot of time worrying yourself about this. There is a whole world out there. If you can't find it, I suggest you at least try to find a virtual life. (Continued…)
Post a Comment