Branstad stepped up for shooters, hunters

The Gazette's support for a lead-shot ban on dove hunting in Iowa doesn't surprise. The newspaper's editorial board holds that Gov. Terry Branstad should not have used his executive authority to override the decision to ban lead shot by the state Natural Resources Commission - that the NRC based its decision on “expertise.”

Not so fast. The jury is out on the impact (pun intended) of lead projectiles on the environment. The NRC knows nothing that we do not. Strong opinions are held by opposing camps. Branstad stepped up for Iowa shooters and hunters.

Here's my challenge. If The Gazette believes that lead emitted by firearms is a critical environmental issue, lobby for a total ban of all lead projectiles in Iowa. All lead bullets for any purpose would be prohibited. That includes criminalizing the use of any current .22LR ammunition, all trap shooting loads as well as most deer and varmint hunting ammo. Reloaders' inventories would be worthless.

All shooting ranges would be closed for an expensive cleanup, the public ones at public expense. The private ranges would be forced to close or sue the state for the expense - a litigation cost the public would absorb. Yes sir, even all police departments would have to buy new lead-free ammo.

Instead of taking the Iowa shooting and hunting community apart piece-by-piece, take on all of us at once. Experience the cultural divide.

Tim Wentz

Marion