There are many sources of lead in the environment, and NRA is on the record as raising serious questions about studies claiming that condors are dying in great numbers because of lead bullet fragements they supposedly pick up in gut piles left by hunters. But citing just such concerns, Utah is instituting a voluntary non-lead ammunition program for deer and elk hunters in the southwestern part of the state.

Utah’s 2010 Big Game regulations (page 35) announce that the Utah Division of Wildlife and Utah Wildlife in Need joined together to offer coupons for one free box of lead-free ammunition for deer and elk hunters in certain parts of southwestern Utah.

Arizona has had a similar program for several years, and the word "voluntary" has helped achieve a compliance record of about 90 percent.

Both states may be more concerned about lawsuits filed by radical environmental groups than about any widespread danger to condors. But whatever the motivation, let's make sure this program stays "voluntary."