Is President Biden Trying to Ban Hunting?

Written by HLRBO - David Kedrowski| 5/30/2023

Social media has been buzzing with claims suggesting that President Joe Biden is seeking to impose a blanket ban on hunting and fishing activities across the country. If you’re an avid sportsman or sportswoman, these reports may have startled you. But the good news is, these claims are merely runaway rumors. So, what’s really going on? HLRBO is here to debunk the drama for you.

The Actual Narrative: Draft Regulations to Promote Safer Hunting Practices, Not a Ban

The real story centers around the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) crafting draft regulations aimed at limiting the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle within certain federally protected wildlife refuges. These prospective regulations do not signal a wholesale ban on hunting and fishing, but rather, they represent a targeted effort to promote safer and more environmentally friendly hunting practices.

Why the Emphasis on Restricting Lead Ammunition and Tackle?

The concern lies in the potential harm these materials can cause to wildlife and the environment. When animals are shot with lead ammunition and not retrieved, or when lead fishing tackle is lost, the lead can enter the ecosystem and pose a risk to other animals, potentially causing illness or death. Lead is also a significant environmental pollutant that can contaminate water sources and soil.

The most significant dangers to wildlife associated with using lead ammo and fishing tackle include:

1. Lead Poisoning in Wildlife: Animals shot with lead ammunition and not retrieved, or scavengers who consume these remains, can suffer from lead poisoning. Similarly, aquatic animals can ingest lost lead fishing tackle, leading to poisoning.
2. Contamination of Water Sources: Lead from ammunition and tackle can leach into water sources, including streams, ponds, and other bodies of water, potentially contaminating drinking water and impacting aquatic ecosystems.
3. Soil Pollution: Lead in the soil can lead to long-term environmental damage, affecting plant life and the animals that rely on those plants for sustenance.
4. Risk to Humans: Humans can be indirectly affected by lead contamination. Consuming game shot with lead ammunition or fish from waters contaminated by lead tackle can expose people to this toxic substance, which is harmful even in small amounts.
5. Endangerment of Bird Species: Certain bird species, especially raptors, and waterfowl, are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning, either from consuming prey contaminated with lead or directly ingesting lead shot or tackle. This can have significant impacts on bird populations.
6. Long-lasting Environmental Impact: Unlike some other materials, lead does not break down over time. Once in the environment, it remains a persistent pollutant.

How It All Began

The genesis of the FWS draft regulations is a 2022 agreement between the Biden administration and the Center for Biological Diversity. The Center had lodged a legal dispute against the federal government over President Trump’s expansion of hunting and fishing territories encompassing 2.3 million acres across 147 wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. As part of the settlement, the FWS has committed to increasing restrictions on the use of lead ammunition in various refuges by 2026.

What’s Going to Change?

Right now, nothing. Remember, these regulations have not been approved yet and are not seeking to ban hunting. Hunters will still have the opportunity to engage in these activities but will need to adapt to the new regulations if and when they come into effect.

Stay Connected with HLRBO

For more updates, insights, and clarifications on regulations affecting hunters, anglers, and trappers, stay connected with HLRBO. Your passion is our passion. Let’s navigate these changes together. Learn more about HLRBO and our mission today.