Getting the Lead Out

We’re working on federal and state reforms to eliminate lead use in ammunition and fishing tackle because it’s a known toxin that kills raptors and all manner of other wildlife.

Wounded bald eagle on vet table-Getting the Lead Out campaign

The Issue

Through our Getting the Lead Out campaign, we advocate for phasing out lead ammunition and fishing tackle. We’re pushing for federal and state reforms that eliminate lead use in ammunition and fishing tackle because it’s a known toxin that kills raptors and all manner of other wildlife. A landmark continent-wide study published in Science magazine in 2022 revealed that more than half of all bald and golden eagles in North America have acute concentrations of lead in their systems. There is no other explanation for that circumstance but for spent lead dispersed through hunting and fishing activities. Alternative and less toxic forms of ammunition are available and affordable and they match or exceed the performance of lead-based products.

The Solution

We are working to push forward the Lead Endangers Animals Daily (LEAD) Act. This bill would put an end to the needless incidental poisoning of millions of wild animals by spent lead that’s left behind in fields, forests, wetlands, and in the remains of animal carcasses.

Learn about our campaign

FACT SHEET: Lead millions Ammunition of visible to invisible : Deadly and Dangerous for Wildlife and Huntingdownload here

SCIENTIFIC REPORT: Lead Ammunition Imperils Wildlife and Hunting Families, download here

PODCAST: Lead Ammunition, Wildlife Poisoning, and Public Health: Science and Policy at a Crossroads, listen here

Actions to Take

Tell your legislators

to protect animals by ending the use of toxic lead ammunition