East Idaho Times

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho has aligned with Senator Steve Daines from Montana and 26 other Republican senators to reintroduce a bill aimed at preventing federal agencies from banning lead ammunition or tackle on public lands without scientific backing. The legislation targets the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S. Forest Service.

Senator Crapo expressed concerns about the potential impact of such bans, stating, “Limitations or bans on traditional ammo and tackle create an unnecessary burden for Idaho’s hunters and anglers. This in turn restricts important state revenues and participation in the conservation and management of our incredible lands. I am proud to stand for the right of Idahoans to participate in our rich tradition of hunting and fishing for food and recreation.”

The list of co-sponsors includes Senators John Thune, Jerry Moran, Dan Sullivan, Bill Cassidy, Thom Tillis, Jim Risch, Cynthia Lummis, John Barrasso, Rick Scott, James Lankford, Tommy Tuberville, Mike Lee, John Boozman, Roger Marshall, Marsha Blackburn, Roger Wicker, Deb Fischer, Tim Sheehy, Mike Rounds, Katie Britt, Kevin Cramer, Tom Cotton, Jim Justice, Bill Hagerty, John Hoeven and Cindy Hyde-Smith.

In 2022 negotiations began between USFWS and activist groups over a lawsuit concerning lead ammunition use on federal land exceeding three million acres. Senator Crapo had previously urged USFWS Director Martha Williams not to yield to demands restricting lead ammo use on public lands. He supported similar legislation in previous Congress sessions.