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Key messages for state fish and wildlife agencies
1. When given sound, science-based information,
hunters and ranchers are willing to take actions to help reduce lead
from spent ammunition that is potentially 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 has 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 potential 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. Many hunters and ranchers are already taking
action to reduce the amount of spent lead ammunition that may be available to
condors. Publicizing these efforts through agency communications
will help encourage more of these efforts.
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