Learn More | Hunters for Eagle Conservation

Lead poisoning is a leading cause of mortality in eagles, and studies have shown that lead concentrations in raptors spike during and directly after hunting seasons. ^(1,2)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxS6mNzWIzQ

Copper ammunition is a highly effective, lead-free alternative for big game hunting that leaves healthy gut piles for eagles and other wildlife to scavenge and benefit from.

By using lead-free ammunition to hunt big game, South Dakota hunters can help reduce the unintended ingestion of lead by wildlife.Learn more about unintended lead ingestion and lead-free ammunition at LeadFreePartnership.orgLearn more about lead poisoning and nonlead ammunition at HuntingWithNonlead.org

Literature Cited

Slabe, V. A., et al. (2022). Demographic implications of lead poisoning for eagles across North America.Science, 375(6582), pp.779-782.
Kelly, T. R., & Johnson, C. K. (2011). Lead exposure in free-flying turkey vultures is associated with big game hunting in California. PLoS One, 6(4), e15350.