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The department also recommended lead-free bullets as the simplest solution to possible contamination.
Here's the problem I have with this (emphasis mine):
So, what they're saying is, "We can't find a problem, but lead is supposed to be bad, right? So...um.. we'd better ban it."
That mindset is definitely an issue.
OTOH, land contamination at ranges is a common problem.
I will have no issue switching to "green bullets" as soon as an alternative with equal performance and equal pricing comes along.
That mindset is definitely an issue.
OTOH, land contamination at ranges is a common problem.
Saying that is, in my mind, the equivalent of saying something like:
"Restrooms smelling like urine and feces is a common problem."
Well, of course. That's what a bathroom is used for.
That's the purpose of a range. To collect lead projectiles.
Should hunters switch to 'green' bullets?
It was mandated years ago for hunting waterfowl.
You must use "non-toxic" (either ineffective steel, or VERY EXPENSIVE alternatives) shot when hunting waterfowl.
Here's the problem I have with this (emphasis mine):
So, what they're saying is, "We can't find a problem, but lead is supposed to be bad, right? So...um.. we'd better ban it."
Indeed. After the success of pushing this to waterfowl, ts coming one way or another to the rest of all game.
Much like that ammo accountability company, "We dont even know how we would make this work, but the ammo manufacturers have smart scientists who an figure it out. Lets make this a law and make me millions."
What sucks is the myth of lead contaminating game meat has already been debunked by a few different studies around the country, I think most recently in Minnesota with venison. They really don't care about lead poisoning, it's just another way to restrict guns and will only lead to further restrictions in the future.
All the children playing on the berm and the trench behind it are getting lead poisoningi would like concrete proof that lead causes all kinds of issues. DDT causes issues, documented and proven. wheres the proof for lead?
How so? And please don't say that they detected lead in the berm. What are the symptoms of the "problem" other than the mere fact that it is detected?
There was a similar switch from lead sinkers to tin or steel sinkers used for fishing in VT a few years back. Wildlife biologists were claiming that waterfowl (especially loons) were ingesting the sinkers and poisoning themselves.
I'm be all for the ammo switch as long as the new stuff is comparatively priced. I just can't figure out what else they would make them out of that would have similar characteristics to a lead projectile.
OTOH, land contamination at ranges is a common problem.
The EPA doesn't even require RCRA permitting for shooting clubs because the lead in the berm is a known quantity and in a safe state. So long as you keep the pH in check, the situation is not a problem.
Again, I am not claiming/agreeing/making any indication that this is some sort of epidemic.
Lead is a toxic substance. This is not a secret. Nobody here is going kookoo for coco-puffs that this is a major problem. What's the problem with recognizing that putting a lot of a toxic substance into a small area has a good chance at creating a potentially toxic situation?
If there were another design that used materials that were non-toxic, had the same performance characteristics as lead based projectiles and cost the same, what would be the problem with using that as a more environmentally friendly alternative?
If there were another design that used materials that were non-toxic, had the same performance characteristics as lead based projectiles and cost the same, what would be the problem with using that as a more environmentally friendly alternative?
If there were such a thing, it would already be on the market.