Get the Lead Out!

Get the Lead Out! is a campaign in several U.S. states and Canada aimed at educating anglers about the impact of lead fishing tackle on loons and other wildlife. Each year loons and other waterbirds die from lead poisoning due to ingestion of lead fishing tackle especially sinkers and jigs.

Better for wildlife, better for you: Why should lead matter to you? 

• Lead is a toxic metal that can poison people and animals such as loons, bald eagles, great blue herons, and snapping turtles.
• Loons and other waterbirds are poisoned by swallowing lead fishing tackle that is lost while fishing.
• Switching to non-lead tackle is an inexpensive and easy way to make a difference.

Tackling the problem: What else can you use?

• Sinkers and jigs are also made from non-poisonous materials such as: Steel, tin, tungsten, bismuth, pewter, ceramic, densified plastic, and glass.
• These alternatives are simple to find and order on the Internet, and can also be found in some bait and tackle shops.
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Recycled Fish have collaborated to create a S.A.F.E Fishing Kit, which is available for purchase at their website (scroll down to public education). 

Money Matters: What will it cost you?

• Non-lead tackle is generally only pennies more than lead equivalents.
• Price comparisons show that steel tends to be even cheaper than lead.

Weighing it all out: What else can you do?

• Dispose of your lead tackle properly—do not throw it in a lake or trash can. Take it to your local household hazardous waste collection site or a scrap metal collector/recycler. In Wisconsin, there is a list of places that accept lead year round maintained on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.
• Spread the word—tell others about the hazards of lead to wildlife and people. Encourage the switch to non-lead sinkers and jigs.
• Ask your favorite bait/tackle shop to carry lead alternative fishing tackle.

Where can I purchase non-lead fishing tackle?

• LoonWatch maintains a list of non-lead tackle suppliers. 

Is there a Get the Lead Out! display available for fishing and lake events?

• LoonWatch loans portable Get the Lead Out! displays to lake associations, organizations, and agencies for meetings, fishing tournaments, family fishing days, nature center programs, and other events. Contact LoonWatch to request a display.

For research reports and additional information, visit the following Web sites:

• Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative
• USGS National Wildlife Health Center
• Raptor Education Group, Inc.
• Environment Canada
• MN Pollution Control Agency
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
• Avian Care and Research Foundation
• Proceedings from 2008 Lead Ammunition Conference
• The Wildlife Society Draft Position Statement