NEWS BRIEFS
What’s in Your Tackle Box? It’s time to Get the Lead Out!
Nine nonprofit organizations are working together to reduce the input of lead fishing tackle and shotgun pellets into Wisconsin’s lakes, rivers, and streams. One lead sinker or jig head or a couple of lead shot can kill an adult loon, eagle, or swan from lead poisoning. Fishing tackle made from non-toxic equivalents is readily available and may cost only slightly more than lead tackle. Non-lead shotgun ammunition is also readily available, and though it costs a bit more than standard ammunition, we think the benefit to Wisconsin’s birds makes it worth the extra cost. And with increased sales, manufacturers will be able to lower the cost of non-toxic shotshells over time.
Help spread the word through your lake association, fishing club, fishing tournament, nature center, or other groups by distributing this informative display card that highlights the lead poisoning issue, recommends things that you can do to prevent lead poisoning in wildlife, and directs you to organizations and websites with more information.
Feel free to download an electronic version of the card (PDF file, 228KB) to e-mail or copy for distribution.
To order these free cards, contact LoonWatch at 715-682-1220 / loonwatch@northland.edu. Please indicate how many cards you would like to receive and the mailing address where the cards should be sent.
Lead Poisoning of Wisconsin's Birds
a WBCI Issues Paper