Sporting Lead-Free
Teton Raptor Center promotes the use of lead-free ammunition
and fishing tackle through the Sporting Lead-Free initiative.
Historically, ammunition and fishing tackle have been made with lead, a dense and cheap metal. Wildlife populations can unintentionally ingest lead, either directly or by eating prey or carcasses containing lead. Raptors have extremely acidic digestive systems, which can break down small lead fragments ingested and introduce the lead to the bloodstream, causing health issues such as slowed reaction times, a shutdown of the digestive system or death.
Sporting Lead-Free is a non-political initiative to voluntarily reduce lead consumed by wildlife and people.
