Dear Tweeters,

Lead shot continues to poison our environment and kill wildlife. It kills a wide variety of animals including waterfowl, upland birds, raptors, and mammals that prey on those that have been injured or killed with lead shot. If I recall correctly, in Washington lead shot is only banned in eleven places and is legal everywhere else within the state. California recently banned its use in some areas to protect the California Condor.

Even in areas where lead shot is banned, it continues to be a problem. According to the Audubon Washington Feb. 20, 2006 Bird's Eye View newsletter: "Of the 44,000+ waterfowl hunting licenses issued each year, WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife estimates 8% repeat offender noncompliance rate. This equates to nearly 3,500 hunters annually who are using toxic lead shot over wetlands."

Lead shot poses many neurological health risks to humans as well. The American Cancer Society suggests that lead shot could also pose a risk for cancer.

Diane Weinstein
Issaquah