Number: 1975-18
WHEREAS, lead shot poisoning of migratory waterfowl is a serious problem and warrants solution; and
WHEREAS, alternative shot has been developed which is sufficiently effective to begin a conversion from the use of lead shot; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of the Interior has the responsibility under international treaty and federal law to protect migratory waterfowl; and
WHEREAS, the Department has proposed a gradual conversion from lead shot beginning in the Atlantic Flyway in 1975-76, the Mississippi Flyway in 1976-77, and the Pacific and Central Flyways, or portions thereof as needed, in 1977-78; and
WHEREAS, while some states support this proposal other states have worked to show that lead shot is not a significant problem statewide in their jurisdictions;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual convention assembled March 14-16, 1975, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, supports the gradual conversion from the use of lead shot for migratory waterfowl hunting as proposed by the U.S. Department of the Interior; PROVIDED THAT:
- This conversion shall not take place, without the concurrence of the State Wildlife Agency, in any state where no demonstrable lead poisoning problems exist, or where one exists on an identifiable local basis in the state, as determined jointly by the State Wildlife Agency and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and
- Opportunity is provided to a state wildlife agency, if it demonstrates that the problem exists on an identifiable local basis, to demonstrate that an alternative method for reducing waterfowl losses would be successful and feasible.