Last week, Gun Owners of America (GOA) filed public comment with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in opposition to their proposed rule to ban the use of lead ammunition of certain public lands, starting with this upcoming fall/winter hunting season. The proposed rule, which was first announced in early August, is the fourth attempt by anti-gun and anti-hunting activists in the Obama-Biden-Harris administrations to ban lead ammo on public lands in the last nine years.
While the Obama-Biden attempt to ban lead ammo and lead based fishing tackle was reversed by President Trump, the Harris-Biden Administration has now initiated its third lead ammo ban, prompting sportsmen to voice serious concerns with their lawmakers in Washington.
In its comments, GOA argues that USFWS has no statutory mandate to effect such a ban, and they highlight the complete lack of any compelling and statistically significant evidence that suggests the presence of lead ammo is detrimental to wildlife or human populations.
NOTE: these comments do not discuss or extend to the existing ban on lead ammunition for waterfowl hunting, which has been in place for several decades.
Mark Jones, GOA’s National Director of Hunter Outreach, issued the following statement:
“As a certified wildlife biologist with over twenty years of experience in wild game management at a state agency, I can say with absolute certainty that this proposal lacks any significant evidence to support the claims by USFWS. In turn, it’s obvious that this proposed rule is simply meant to frustrate and further disincentivize hunters by making it harder and more expensive to enjoy our extensive public lands. GOA is proud to oppose this rule and will continue to push back on Capitol Hill should it go through.”
Aidan Johnston, GOA’s Director of Federal Affairs, added:
“The Harris-Walz campaign can sell all the camo hats it wants, but that doesn’t change the fact that Kamala Harris has tried to ban lead ammunition and fishing tackle every year for the last three years. A Harris-Walz Administration would mean another four years of rogue federal agencies criminalizing the actions of sportsmen to suppress our nation’s proud traditions of hunting and fishing.”
GOA spokesmen are available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center.
