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Maryland hearing spotlights push to phase out lead ammunition for hunting
Summary
Supporters urged a phased ban on lead ammunition for specified game, citing public health and wildlife impacts; opponents warned of supply, safety and economic concerns and urged voluntary or targeted approaches. The Department of Natural Resources signaled willingness to work on timelines and exemptions.
Delegate Nick Allen introduced House Bill 7 41, a phased approach to eliminate use of lead ammunition for listed hunting activities in Maryland, prompting hours of testimony Tuesday before the House Environment and Transportation Committee.
Supporters — including public‑health and conservation groups and veterinarians — told the committee that lead fragments from ammunition contaminate wild game and carrion, expose consumers and scavengers to toxic levels of lead and harm raptors and other wildlife. “There is no safe level of lead,” said Delegate Nick Allen. Veterinarian Jim Keane and wildlife scientist Stephanie Boyles Griffin described studies showing lead fragments travel far from wound channels and that scavengers and people who eat wild game can be exposed to toxic particles that are difficult…
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