OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES FOR ENCOURAGING USE OF NON-LEAD AMMUNITION

Matthew C Parker; Institute for Wildlife Studies; mparker@iws.org; Chad Thomas, David K. Garcelon

In 2019, California fully implemented legislation that requires the use of non-lead ammunition for all take of wildlife with a firearm. This legislation was enacted because using lead-based ammunition to hunt or dispatch animals can poison wildlife scavenging on any remaining carcasses or offal. Consumption of lead fragments from carcasses is considered the leading cause of death in the endangered California condor (Gymnogyps californianus). Non-lead ammunition is an effective alternative that eliminates the possibility of this exposure. To reduce lead on the landscape, we conduct outreach across California engaging with hunters and ranchers. We have tailored communication strategies involving positive, a-political, messaging that is effective for engaging individuals about a controversial topic. We utilize several outreach strategies to communicate with a wide array of audiences including individuals that may be resistant to social change. These include live-fire demonstrations showing how non-lead ammunition performs, booths at venues of different hunting clubs and organizations, meeting with small groups of hunters and ranchers, and extensive use of social media.

Symbiosis - Community Science and Outreach  InPerson Presentation