Lead Ammunition and Venison Safety


Tommy's Outdoors

Conservation and Science


The deer hunting season in Ireland opens less than 48 hours from now. Of course, only if you’re reading this newsletter on the same day it was sent. So, I thought it was a great time to publish material that I recorded some time ago and have been holding onto, waiting for the best time to release it. As the title suggests, it’s about the effects of lead from hunting ammunition on our health. We’re all familiar with the discussion and arguments in relation to lead shots, especially when used over the wetlands. But just how much of it applies to deer hunting? Listen up to find out.

Lead Ammunition and Health with Fredrik Widemo

Should we worry about consuming venison from an animal harvested with lead ammunition? Will cutting out and discarding meat around the impact area solve the problem? And what are the best practices to keep us safe?

Most of us have heard about the negative effects of lead on health. Not only on our health but also on the health of the ecosystems. In this episode, we are answering questions about the scale and severity of these effects from the perspective of lead used in hunting ammunition. To get a full picture I talk with Prof. Fredrik Widemo, a senior researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies. Fredrik is also a hunter so he approaches this topic from a personal perspective.


Fundraiser For An All-terrain Wheelchair for My Colleague

This coming August bank holiday weekend, William and Victoria will be embarking on a mostly unaided, 3-day, 60-mile walk, to help raise funds for an Extreme 8 all-terrain wheelchair that is a necessity to allow Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt to continue his work in nature.

Their route starts at Putney Bridge in London, and all being well, three days later ends in Henley-on-Thames.


I strive to deliver the most interesting and educational conversations with the most engaging guests about the natural environment. It is my goal to continue to deliver this content at no cost to you. However, the production of the podcast requires a significant investment of time and money. So I would appreciate any help you can give me.

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Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science

I am an outdoorsman, podcaster and speaker. I talk and write about the natural environment, biodiversity, conservation, hunting and fishing, rewilding and more. I am particularly interested in wildlife and human-wildlife interactions. I enjoy reading scientific papers on those subjects as much as being outdoors weathering the elements and getting first-hand experiences.

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