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Key messages for federal natural resources management agencies
1. When given sound, science-based information,
hunters and ranchers are willing to take actions to help reduce lead
from spent ammunition that may be available to condors in the wild.
a. While the exact nature and magnitude of the
problem is not well defined, it is clear there are cases where lead from spent
ammunition played a role in condor mortality. If convinced of this
fact, hunters and ranchers would be willing to do their part to try
to reduce the amount of lead that may be available to condors.
b. Sound science is needed to clarify what role
spent lead ammunition may play in condor poisoning and death.
c. Agencies should seek out and distribute accurate
information on actions that hunters and scientists are taking to
minimize this lead exposure pathway to condors.
d. The source of scientific information about
condors must be neutral – hunters won’t trust research results from
anti-hunting or anti-lead organizations or institutions.
e. The information provided by agencies on condors
and the lead poisoning issue must be consistent. Mixed messages will
work against the desired behavior changes.
2. Federal agencies can best communicate about
condors with hunters and ranchers through hunting organizations, or
through the state wildlife agency.
a. Hunters and ranchers find information most
credible when it comes from a local source.
b. Whenever possible, federal agencies should form
communication partnerships and work through local hunting/ranching
organizations, clubs, etc. to formulate and deliver messages on this
issue to hunters and ranchers.
c. Federal agencies should develop or enhance
partnerships with state wildlife agencies and deliver information
about condors through these agencies as appropriate.
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