SAVE OUR SYMBOL
Embark on a journey with us as we soar to new heights in eagle conservation
The Problem
Bald eagles are the national emblem of the United States, a symbol of freedom, strength, and beauty; but they are in danger. One of their biggest and most serious challenges is toxicity from lead ammunition and fishing tackle, causing death.
Lead is a neurotoxin that, even in low doses, impairs an eagle's balance and stamina. This impairment reduces its ability to fly, hunt, and reproduce. A piece of lead the size of a grain of rice will kill an eagle. Lead ingestion causes seizures, breathing difficulty, and death. One way eagles are exposed to lead is when they scavenge the remains of animals shot with lead bullets that later fragment within their bodies. Another is when they ingest lead fishing weights or lures that are lost or discarded in the water.
The Solution
The solution to saving these eagles is simple - remove the lead from their environment. When hunting or fishing, switch to non-lead ammunition and tackle. Non-lead ammunition and tackle are made of materials such as copper, steel, tungsten, or bismuth, which do not fragment or dissolve in the body. They are equally effective and affordable as lead alternatives and are widely available in the market. By choosing non-lead products when we are afield, we can reduce the risk of lead exposure to our wildlife, ourselves, and our families. For more resources on lead-free alternatives, visit Sporting Lead Free's website.
Meet Tommy, the man behind the mission
Hello! My name is Tommy Shaffer. I am a life long resident of western Pennsylvania, a former boatswain's mate in the United States Navy, residential contractor, hunter and fisher, and have always been concerned with the conservation of our natural resources. I have been a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist since 2021, and am currently completing the Pennsylvania Master Watershed Steward Program. These programs provide extensive training in watershed management and natural resources to volunteers who educate the community and support conservation efforts. ​​
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I have had a personal experience with lead shot that I used for hunting that was accidently ingested by a raptor. On a snowy January day when I was a kid, I was hunting grouse with my friends, and missed my shot at a flushing grouse. My friends laughed as I reloaded my 20 gauge. Just as I finished closing the singleshot, the grouse blew back toward me. I pulled up, shot, and to my surprise, the grouse fell to the ground. More surprisingly, a red-tailed hawk abruptly swooped in and landed on the grouse. The hawk took a look at me, and then flew away with the grouse. My friends laughed louder. I was left with only the hawk's wing imprint in the fresh snow, and a good story. Or so I thought. Now I know that I surely killed the hawk when it ingested my #8 lead shot. Hunters love a good story almost as much as a good shot. But this was not a good story. This was a tragic story. As story that still haunts me, as I had always considered myself an ethical and responsible hunter. A story that happens too often, and one that we can prevent.
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I believe in educating about the dangers of lead to raptors, instead of legislation. I believe legislation builds walls and is almost impossible to enforce. I have found that once a person is exposed to this information, they are more than willing to make responsible changes. Sportsmen and sportswomen have a long history of championing conservation, both through protecting habitats and wildlife management and a recent survey by Ducks Unlimited suggest that hunters are more than three times as likely as nonhunters to participate in organized wildlife conservation efforts. I invite you to join me on this journey and help make a different for these magnificent birds. ​
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In 2023, I was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and have since decided to focus on the things near and dear to me - nature and wildlife. That is why I have launched the Save Our Symbol project. This project is a campaign to help protect bald eagles and other raptors from the threat of lead poisoning.
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Sincerely,
Tommy
The Journey
​​Save Our Symbol is a grassroots initiative dedicated to safeguarding our national emblem, the majestic bald eagle, from the silent threat of lead poisoning. Our mission is to educate, advocate, and inspire voluntary action to transition to non-lead alternatives for hunting and fishing, ensuring a safer environment for these awe-inspiring birds.
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To raise awareness and funds for this cause, Tommy has planned a 200-mile journey, starting in June, covering 8 different watersheds in western Pennsylvania. He will float and hike along some of the most scenic and wildlife-rich rivers and trails in our part of the state. Check out our Save Our Symbol social media or our Gallery page to follow along and view the beautiful scenery! We will share more information and resources about the issue of lead poisoning and the benefits of non-lead products at different locations throughout the trip and afterwards. We will also showcase some of the wildlife that are affected by this problem, and some of the organizations that are working to help them.
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The trip will be self-funded by Tommy, but we are requesting all donations to be sent to the Tamarack Wildlife Center. The Tamarack Wildlife Center is a wildlife rehabilitation and education center that specializes in rehabilitating and releasing birds of prey. They also take in adult songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, NRV mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
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Join Tommy on his journey, either by following updates on the Save Our Symbol Facebook page, the Save Our Symbol Instagram page, or by joining him in person for some parts of the trip. We would love to have your company and support, and to share with you the beauty and diversity of Pennsylvania's wildlife and landscapes. We also invite you to donate to the Tamarack Wildlife Center, either online at their website, or by sending a check to the address below. Any amount is greatly appreciated and will make a different for the wildlife they care for.
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Tamarack Wildlife Center
21601 Stull Road
Saegertown, PA 16433
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Thank you for your time and attention. We hope you are inspired by Tommy's story and mission, and that you will join him in saving our symbol, the bald eagle. Together, we can protect these magnificent birds and ensure that their story is one that continues on.
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Save Our Symbol would like to thank the following organizations for their support!
Armstrong PA Master Naturalists, Tamarack Wildlife Center, Sporting Lead-Free, and Willow Run Sanctuary and Adoptions. ​