Posted on 03/02/2017 12:17:28 PM PST by jazusamo
New Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke signed an order Thursday overturning a ban on using lead ammunition on wildlife refuges.
Zinke signed the order on his first day in office, overturning a policy implemented by former Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Director Dan Ashe on Jan. 19, the Obama administration’s last full day in office.
Ashe’s policy would have banned the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle on all FWS wildlife refuges that allow hunting or fishing, as well as in all other hunting or fishing regulated by the agency elsewhere.
It was meant to reduce the harm to animals and plants from potential poisoning from ammunition left on the ground or in the water.
“After reviewing the order and the process by which it was promulgated, I have determined that the order is not mandated by any existing statutory or regulatory requirement and was issued without significant communication, consultation or coordination with affected stakeholders,” Zinke wrote in his order.
Zinke also signed an order Thursday asking agencies within his purview to find ways to increase access to outdoor recreation on the lands they oversee.
“It worries me to think about hunting and fishing becoming activities for the land-owning elite,” he said in a statement. “This package of secretarial orders will expand access for outdoor enthusiasts and also make sure the community's voice is heard.”
Gun rights advocates, sportsmen’s groups, conservatives and state wildlife agencies were united against the lead ban.
Lead is standard in ammunition, and lead-free bullets are more expensive, leading opponents to accuse FWS of trying to crack down on hunting. Furthermore, opponents say that scientific studies do not show large-scale harms from lead use in hunting and fishing.
“This was a reckless, unilateral overreach that would have devastated the sportsmen's community,” Chris Cox, executive director of the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action, said in a statement, thanking Zinke.
“The Obama administration failed to consult with state fish and wildlife agencies or national angling and hunting organizations in issuing this order. This was not a decision based on sound scientific evidence — it was a last second attack on traditional ammunition and our hunting heritage.”
22-calibre happy
Didn’t the last lead mine close down last year as a result of this?
...on Jan. 19, the Obama administration’s last full day in office.
Jerks.
More winning in 2 months of Trump than in 12 years of Bushies.
It looks like the last smelter may have, don’t know about mines.
Fake news. Regulations meant to make things better are not implemented on the last day in office. This was a stab in the back meant to harm hunters and fishermen and to make them angry at government, i.e., at President Trump.
Like the coal mines, it might have a come-back.
Not to mention that lead-free bullets can not be used in older guns such as late 19th and early 20th Century lever action rifles.
Good point, FRiend.
Nope—this is a deregulation I disagree with.
Leads to indiscriminate killing of wildlife.
Love it.
Lead is so much better than that copper crap they want people to use.
150 years ago, copper was outlawed by international convention because it was poisonous.
A survivable wound from a lead bullet would not be survivable with copper, leading to weeks of suffering before death.
Thank God, the winning continues!
Lead shot is still banned for shooting in such areas, even for game birds that might inhabit the same areas as waterfowl. I wonder. Will Sec. Zinke address that? It’s been in effect for years.
I hope this also applies to fishing sinkers.
Yes, it does.
Would be interesting. The last time I used lead shot hunting ducks was in 1990.
Leads to indiscriminate killing of wildlife.....How so?
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