Myth: The DNR overstepped its bounds in attempting to prohibit the use of lead shot.
Reality: It was not the Department that filed the Notice of Intended Action, but the Natural Resources Commission. “Except as otherwise provided by law, the commission shall: a. Establish policy and adopt rules, pursuant to chapter 17A. . . [and the] commission may adopt rules for the taking and possession of migratory birds which are subject to the federal “Migratory Bird Treaty Act” and “Migratory Bird Stamp Hunting Act” during the time and in the manner permitted under those federal Acts.”
The NRC has introduced similar rules in the past without objection. See IAC r. 571—Chapter 92, particularly subrule 92.3, which requires nontoxic shot for migratory game birds.
Myth: Steel shot costs twice as much as lead shot.
Reality: In April, 2011, Winchester 12 gauge #7 steel shot cost $5.97 a box at a Carroll, Iowa Wal-Mart. In the same aisle was a Winchester 12 gauge #7 ½ lead shot for the same price – $5.97 per box. Both boxes contained shells that were 2 ¾ inches, 1180 to 1200 FPS. The lead shot was 2 ¾ dram while the steel shot was 3 dram. The price and availability of alternative shot is becoming more in tune to demand.
Myth: This rule was adopted at the last minute and the Commission tried to sneak it through.
Reality: The Natural Resource Commission was discussing this issue at every meeting (monthly) going back to late 2010. Unlike the Iowa Legislature that used a sneaky maneuver within a 24-hour period to instantly change a bill about raccoon hunting into “mourning dove” hunting. The Administrative Rules Review Committee was displeased with the prohibition on lead shot, but did nothing to nullify the portion of the rule incorporating the “Eurasian collared-dove”, which was added to the intended action at the same time and in the same manner as the lead shot prohibition. There is nothing sneaky about it. The Commission responded to public comments, which is exactly what it is supposed to do.
Myth: Non-toxic shot is not as accurate.
Reality: This is an opinion. There is no scientific study that proves this.
Myth: Steel shot is harder on the guns than lead shot.
Reality: It is possible that barrel damage may occur if the hunter is using an older gun or using a really tight choke. Use a more open choke for steel. One suggestion is to “change to an improved cylinder or skeet choke.” “Non-toxic shot is now also available for safe use in vintage and older shotguns (Cabela’s 2008)” Citing Tranel, M.A., AND R. O. Kimmel. 2009. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Study, Impacts of Lead Ammunition on Wildlife, the Environment and Human Health – A Literature Review and Implications for Minnesota.” P. 9.
Myth: These anti-lead people are trying to outlaw hunting.
Reality: Lead Is Poison Coalition is an unincorporated nonprofit organization that includes many hunters. LIP-C is concerned about our future, our environment, public health, and our wildlife and humans.
Myth: I’ve never seen so many eagles. Lead is not a threat to raptors and scavengers.
Reality: Lead is toxic; lead kills eagles, vultures, hawks, and other raptors. It’s easily preventable by using alternative shot. http://www.startribune.com/local/137358413.html
Myth: There are no scientific studies that lead is a problem to the environment, humans, or wildlife. If they do exist, the studies are 15 to 20 years old.
Reality: All the scientific studies you can imagine are included in a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Study, “Impacts of Lead Ammunition on Wildlife, the Environment and Human Health – A Literature Review and Implications for Minnesota”, published recently (2009). http://www.leadispoison.com/uploads/307Tranel.pdf “The literature review includes more than 500 citations on lead and non-toxic ammunition-related issues worldwide.” Another recent and excellent source of scientific data comes from the Oklahoma cooperative Extension Service, a Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University. http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-7144/NREM-9015web.pdf
Myth: Steel shot will only maim birds and make them suffer.
Reality: A study by J. H. Schulz, et al., [2006b. “Will Mourning Dove crippling rates increase with nontoxic-shot regulations?” Wildlife Society Bulletin 34(3), 861-864] “evaluated crippling rates in waterfowl prior to and following implementation of non-toxic shot regulations in the US. They found that, “after a five-year phase-in-period, crippling rates for ducks and geese were lower after non-toxic shot restrictions were implemented.” Tranel, et. al., P. 9.