Life in the Lakes Region is all about enjoying nature and pursuing outdoor activities. For this reason fishing is a popular activity. Unfortunately, Loons and other water fowl often ingest lead sinkers and jigs, resulting in injury, lead poisoning and death.

In an effort to combat this issue, a new law was enacted, effective June1, 2016, making it unlawful to use or sell lead sinkers weighing less than or equal to an ounce, and lead jigs (any lead-weighted hook) less than one inch in length. This new law applies to anyone fishing in New Hampshire’s fresh water systems but does not apply to fishing related items such as fishing line, files, lures or spoons.

In addition to protecting birds, the law seeks to minimize the amount of lead in the state’s water systems, which is toxic not only to wildlife, but humans as well. Anyone found in violation of the new law will be prosecuted by the NH Fish and Game Department’s Law Enforcement Division’s Conservation Officers and fined up to $250.

Because it is important to keep these items out of our landfills, proper disposal is important. For your convenience, there are a number of drop-off locations which include all NH Fish and Game offices and the Loon Preservation Center in Moultonboro. For more information contact the NH Fish and Game Department at (603) 271-3127. To report Wildlife Violations, call 1-800-344-4262, or make a report online at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us.

Protecting the natural resources of the Lakes Region is everyone’s responsibility. At Wescott Law we encourage residents and visitors alike to fully enjoy all that this great area has to offer, while acting in a respectful and law abiding manner.