I don't think there is a survey, per se. Below is the note that was
imbedded in a previous post to this list which is attributed to Carrol
Henderson. That note provides SPECIFIC instructions on how to send comments
on the proposal and the email address to send them to. The previous post
also provided a link to information about the proposal on the DNR web site.
Here is the key information from that post:
For more information on the proposal:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/rules/wildlife/index.html>
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/rules/wildlife/index.html
Email address to send comments to: jason.abra...@state.mn.us
To provide telephone comments: (651)-259-5197
Note: Valid requests MUST include the name and address of the person
requesting the hearing as well as reference the two proposed rule changes:
Part 6230.0200, "Special Provisions for Wildlife Mgt Areas", subpart 14 (on
page 2)
Part 6240.0200, "General Restrictions for Taking and Possession of Migratory
Game Birds", subpart 8 (page 8)
Mike Koutnik
===
> Hello!
>
> For the past 39 years that I have been in charge of the Minnesota DNR
Nongame Wildlife Program, I have worked to reduce/eliminate the use of lead
as a component of shotgun shells for waterfowl and upland hunting, for use
in fishing tackle, and more recently for use of lead in deer hunting
ammunition. Lead in ammunition and fishing tackle continues to contribute to
the unnecesary loss of waterfowl, loons, trumpeter swans, bald eagles,
golden eagles, hawks, vultures, doves, and other wildlife. Lead has long
been acknowledged by society as a neurotoxin that can impair mental
development in children and it has been banned for use in paint, gasoline,
and in children's toys. Unfortunately, a few organizations have refused to
acknowledge any problems with lead and have generated considerable
misinformation to defend its use and deny any threats to either humans or
wildlife caused by use of lead in ammunition and fishing jigs and sinkers.
>
> The Minnesota DNR has made a bold step forward in proposing to ban lead
shot in shotgun shells on over a half million acres of state-owned Wildlife
Management Areas in the agricultural zone of Minnesota. Lead shot is already
banned for hunting waterfowl on these areas and also on federal Waterfowl
Production Areas. Lead shot spread across our public wildlife areas does not
degrade on these areas and will continue to pose a toxic threat to Minnesota
wildlife for many decades to come--especially for ground-feeding birds like
doves, pheasants, and partridge and songbirds seeking grit on these areas.
Also, lead shot fired at pheasants over wetlands on these areas can fall
into the wetlands and subsequently poison waterfowl including ducks, geese,
and swans. Not-toxic steel, bismuth, and tungsten-based shotgun shells are
readily available to upland birds. The performance of nontoxic ammunition on
game birds is quite comparable to that of lead.The cost of a box of lead
shotgun shells for hunting pheasants is very comparable to the price of
non-toxic shells. A box of 25 shotgun shells may cost from $7.50 to about
$11.50, so the cost of ammunition is a minor cost of an upland game bird
hunting trip, but some people claim that a switch to nontoxic shells places
an undue burden on hunters.
>
> The NRA already has alerted its members of the proposed lead shot ban on
Minnesota's Wildlife Management Areas and is having its members send in
robo-mail to the DNR to oppose the change. These lands are not owned by
hunters; they are owned by the people of Minnesota. We should not be
continuing to contaminate our public lands with lead when nontoxic
alternatives are available.
>
> The DNR is allowing 60 days for public comment on this proposal which was
published on October 13. As a hunter, birdwatcher, and conservationist who
cares about all wildlife, I would like to ask you to please consider
commenting on this proposal, in your own words, to Jason Abraham at the
address listed below. Comments and requests for a public hearing may be
emailed to jason.abra...@state.mn.us <mailto:jason.abra...@state.mn.us> .
Requests may also be made by telephone at (651)-259-5197
<tel:%28651%29-259-5197> . Valid requests must include the name and address
of the person requesting the hearing as well as reference Subpart 14, p. 2
and Subpart 8, p. 8 of the proposed rule.
>
> Thank you. Carrol
>
> --
>
> For further info, here is a link to the draft proposal. Click on
"Proposed Rules (early draft)" under Rulemaking Documents to see what is
proposed. The language re. lead-free shot in this "omnibus" revision is very
brief. It is in two places: Part 6230.0200, "Special Provisions for
Wildlife Mgt Areas", subpart 14 (on page 2) and Part 6240.0200, "Gene
