Montana FWP Proposes Politically-Motivated Lead Shot Ban

Ban of lead shot proposal.

 The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is proposing to ban the use of lead shot for upland game bird hunting on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) as part of its 2010-2011 hunting season regulations http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/opportunityForPublicComment/default.html.  While FWP has provided no information as to why the ban is being proposed, this is a move straight out of the radical anti-hunting crowd’s playbook.  The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has called for a nationwide ban on the use of lead ammunition for all purposes.  The proposal by FWP moves them one step closer to this goal.  HSUS spends $120 million a year lobbying and litigating against our hunting rights.  Its President has said, “If we could shut down all sport hunting in a moment, we would.”

The political nature of this proposed lead shot ban is clear. The NRA obtained information prepared within the Department that suggests the ban is being proposed as a symbolic gesture.  FWP admits there is little to no waterfowl present on many of the WMAs so the federal lead shot ban for waterfowl hunting is not at issue.  It acknowledges that lead-alternative shot is less available and is more expensive than lead shot.  Most importantly, there is no scientific evidence that upland game birds are ingesting lead shot on these WMAs or that it is having an adverse affect on game bird populations.

Comments are due Friday, January 22nd on the changes to the state’s hunting regulations, including the addition of this new lead shot ban.  The NRA urges all hunters to submit comments to FWP in opposition to the expansion of the lead shot ban.  A short, simple note in opposition is sufficient.  The lack of any scientific evidence to justify the proposed ban suggests that this fight is going to be decided by popular support or opposition and rest assured that the anti-hunting radicals will be active.  In the end, this proposal is a symbolic gesture that only serves to continue the expansion of a lead ammunition ban to all hunting.  Science, not symbolism and politics, should drive good wildlife management decisions. 

Please click the following link, http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/N2CCH9R, and submit your comments under “15. Upland Game Bird hunting season comment, if any:” to make your voice heard! Comments may be copied and pasted into the dialogue box.  FWP reads these comments carefully, which will weigh heavily on the proposal’s fate.  Comments on other proposals may also be submitted and it is vitally important that FWP hears from you.  Information about the proposals may be found at http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/oppForPubCommentDefault.html.