Not enough debate about the move away from lead
Most sporting magazines and organisations, apart from Sporting Gun and the Scottish Gamekeepers ‘ Association seem to have capitulated when it comes to the lead shot ban. These magazines and organisations are supposed to be the voice and protectorate of our fieldsports. They are supposed to examine the reasons for and against any legislation to our fieldsports. And they seem to be embracing non-lead alternatives, whether it be shotgun, airgun, or centrefire. The fact that there will be an increase of wounded animals and birds seems to be irrelevant. The anti brigade will know this and , as a result, it will simply hasten a total ban on shooting. A dreadful scenario but a highly likely one.
The last attempt to ‘go non-toxic’ was, in my opinion, built on misinformation and misguidance by those within our organisations. We should be questioning everything and everyone.
So after two years of reading, listening, to our sport willingly rushing to the de facto lead ban cliffs like lemmings, I thank Sporting Gun for at least asking why?
Andy Powis, via email Dr Conor O’Gorman, BASC head of policy and campaigns says
– There is evidence that some uses of lead ammunition adversely impact on the environment, wildlife and people and there is growing awareness among shooters worldwide of these risks.
The shooting organisations and sporting press have been providing updates on these issues and the ammunition manufacturers have been developing non-lead alternatives. This is not capitulation or misinformation – it’s us as a community acting positively.
However, time is running out and there are growing calls for a lead ban, which we have been fighting against. We have been highlighting issues around availability and viability of non-lead alternatives for airgun pellets and various types of shotgun and rifle ammunition.
A key principle is that further restrictions on lead ammunition must not result in a reduction in people participating in shooting due to a lack of ammunition for their guns and shooting disciplines.