Comment from Anonymous
Anonymous AnonymousOpposeIndividual
Summary: The commenter argues that the proposed regulations should prioritize the refuges' primary purpose as a sanctuary for wildlife rather than for hunting and fishing. They specifically highlight the health risks posed by lead ammunition and tackle to both wildlife and humans.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments for the proposed 2026-27 hunting and fishing regulations for the National Wildlife Refuge System. Please maintain National Wildlife Refuges true to their purpose--refuge for wildlife. Another consideration is the fact that lead ammunition and tackle are well-documented health hazards. For example, scavengers such as eagles, vultures, and hawks can ingest lead fragments from carcasses and gut piles. In another example, waterfowl can ingest spent shot and lost tackle from wetland habitats. Moreover, hunters and their respective families and friends face health risks from lead fragments in harvested game meat. The refuges belong to all Americans. The refuges purpose should remain conservation, sanctuary, biodiversity, and protection for wildlife.