Where You Can Buy Lead-Free Hunting and Fishing Products

Lead is a toxic metal that in sufficient quantities has adverse effects on the nervous and reproductive systems of mammals and birds. Lead is found in most fishing jigs and sinkers as well some ammunition, and is poisoning wildlife such as loons and eagles.

There is hope. There are alternatives to traditional lead tackle and ammunition. Hunters and anglers can now use ammunition, sinkers and jigs from non-poisonous materials such as tin, bismuth, copper, steel and tungsten-nickel alloy. These alternatives can be found at established sporting goods retailers and on the Internet.

Where to Purchase Lead-free Alternatives

Remington - www.remington.com

Manufactures HEVI-SHOT, non-lead products for turkey, waterfowl, deer and upland game. Available at many major sports retailers.

Barnes - www.barnesbullets.com

Manufactures BarnesX, a non-lead product for large game. On line shopping available.

Lucky Strike Bait Works Ltd. - www.luckeystrikebaitworks.com

On line shopping available under products/lead free or through their mail-order catalog. Call 705-743-3849 or write 2287 Whittington Drive, Ontario, Canada K9J6X4.

Bass Pro Shops - www.basspro-shops.com

Their Web site offers XPS weights made from tungsten. On line shopping available, type in "lead free" in the site search.

A Better Angle Inc. - www.tackledeals.com

The patterned "Ecosinks" are adjustable-weight, snag less fishing weights made with steel balls and cotton sleeves. Place order via e-mail.

Havoc Fishing Products - www.fishhavoc.com

Products using bismuth-tin alloy. Call or place order via e-mail.

Jackfish Lures - www.jackfishlures.com

Jigs and sinkers made of bismuth. On line shopping available.

Lake Fork Tackle - www.lakeforklures.com

The "Mega-Weights" line features worm weights and barrel weights made from a tungsten-nickel alloy. On line shopping available.

Warrior Sporting Goods - www.warriorsg.com

"Duck Crossing" line of tin jigs and weights in over 220 styles and sizes. E-mail for pricing information or retailer near you.

This material used with permission of the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota - www.theraptorcenter.org