Protect Loons! Do your part.

by | May 20, 2025 | News

Over the last seventy years, northern Wisconsin has experienced increasing development. Housing density maps from 1940, 1990, and 2010 clearly show cumulative density throughout the decades, particularly in the lakes regions. What does this mean for loons? Loss of habitat, declining water quality, and increased recreational use of lakes influence loon presence and survival.

Dire though this looks, there are many action steps we can all take to help mitigate these issues such as shoreline restoration, using phosphorus-free products, and watching and recreating at least two hundred feet away from loons. Read on to learn more about what you can do to protect the symbol of our northern woods and waters.

Get the Lead Out

Get the Lead Out! is a campaign in several US states and Canada aimed at educating anglers about the impact of lead fishing tackle on loons and other wildlife. Each year, loons and other waterbirds die from lead poisoning due to ingestion of lead fishing tackle—especially sinkers and jigs.

Why should lead matter to you?
  • Lead is a toxic metal that can poison people and animals such as loons, bald eagles, great blue herons, and snapping turtles.
  • Loons and other waterbirds are poisoned by swallowing lead fishing tackle that is lost while fishing.
  • Switching to non-lead tackle is an inexpensive and easy way to make a difference.
What else can you use?
  • Sinkers and jigs are also made from non-poisonous materials such as: steel, tin, tungsten, bismuth, pewter, ceramic, densified plastic, and glass.
  • These alternatives are simple to find and order on the internet and can also be found in some bait and tackle shops.
What will it cost you?
  • Non-lead tackle is generally only pennies more than lead equivalents.
  • Price comparisons show that steel tends to be even cheaper than lead.
What else can you do?
  • Dispose of your lead tackle properly—do not throw it in a lake or trash can. Take it to your local household hazardous waste collection site or a scrap metal collector/recycler. In Wisconsin, there is a list of places that accept lead year round maintained on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.
  • Spread the word—tell others about the hazards of lead to wildlife and people. Encourage the switch to non-lead sinkers and jigs.
  • Ask your favorite bait and tackle shop to carry lead alternative fishing tackle.
  • Help us spread the word about the dangers of lead tackle by distributing this fact sheet.
Where can I purchase non-lead fishing tackle?
  • LoonWatch maintains a list of non-lead tackle suppliers.
Is there a Get the Lead Out! display available for fishing and lake events?
  • LoonWatch loans portable Get the Lead Out! displays to lake associations, organizations, and agencies for meetings, fishing tournaments, family fishing days, nature center programs, and other events. Contact LoonWatch to request a display.
  • LoonWatch also has permanent lead alert signs available for purchase
  • Research Reports and Additional Information