LEAD: A VEXED ISSUE

It was fascinating to see the splendid array of letters about lead ammunition in the May issue. They join a proud history of exchanges on this subject. Indeed, an 1876 edition of The Field has the distinction of being the first to publish detailed concerns about lead. Ever since the publication of Mr J Hindle-calvert’s letter, which shared his observations of lead poisoning in his pheasants, lead has become one of the vexed issues that has deeply divided opinion.

Change can be challenging but we should listen carefully to those who were willing to trial the new alternative loads last season. Those who did reported cleanly and consistently killing pheasants, duck and grouse at 40 yards and beyond. The field performance of the new steel loads appears quite different to those being manufactured just a few years ago. However, it is the recent development of nonplastic cups, to carry these loads up barrels, which makes them a truly practical alternative for those shooting game. These initial advances provided an opportunity to take the initiative and maintain the reputation of the shooting community as custodians of the countryside. We believe that with sufficient scrutiny, trials and testing further viable alternatives can be developed. For that to happen for every situation involving live quarry over the next five years, we need sportsmen and women to continue sharing their concerns, ideas and experiences.

Eoghan Cameron, chairman, BASC

Tim Bonner, chief executive, Countryside Alliance

Sir Jim Paice, chairman, GWCT Mark Cunliffe-lister, chairman, Moorland Association

Dominic Boulton, chairman, Game Farmers’ Association Liam Bell, chairman, National Gamekeepers’ Organisation Liam Stokes, chief executive, British Game Alliance