I have a book "Life Histories of North American Birds of Prey", In the old day, they shot hawks to see what they eat. But everyone has there own opinion on what they eat do it is not worth looking up there diet. They eat lots of small item. You can google it I would think.

Deer are money makers for most state agencies. Birds of prey, not so much. Bird watchers don't bring in much revenue.

When my Dad was a kid growing up during the Great Depression, they shot hawks and owls because they were killing and eating their free grazing chickens.

The article was written to imply that eagles are somehow in danger since 120 showed up with lead poisoning. To put that number in perspective you need to know total population size and total annual mortality from all causes. The reality is the eagle population is healthy and thriving. Any increase in mortalit from lead poisoning is relative to the increase in total population size. Nothing to be alarmed about.

To get all warm and fuzzy for minute, I would be crushed if all the deer died, or all the eagles, or all of anything. I loves huntin, trappin, and fishing...aw shucks, I love nature. The thought of there being less of it is depressing.

Don't worry, eagles are doing fine, but if it makes you feel more warm and fuzzy you can write out a big check to the Raptor Rehabilitation center in Roseville, Minnesota!

He was just being real Walley...

Totally agree...

I think that is how they got there name "chicken Hawks" at that time they were not protected.

Deer hunting is a big money maker for the State. There is no money in BOP. Bird watching is a different story, the money that comes from, bird feed, bird houses and other items related to bird is great. I buy 150 lbs of black oil seeds, 150 lbs of corn, 50 lbs of junk seed, 25 suit blocks a winter. That add up to the economy. JMO

Googled Parker Guns, they were the gun in there day. A very collectable gun even today.

Cool old ad Tomahawker ^^^

Parker’s along with Winchester model 21’s are the most sought after collectible American shotguns. And for a good reason, they’re well made, and darn near hand made. Fox, Lefever, LC Smith are also in the top. That advert was made by William Harnden Foster.

http://www.startribune.com/money-to-prevent-lead-poisoning-of-loons-released-to-mpca/568022312/

It's all about the money.......

I thought USDA wildlife services had been killing loons and cormorants for a couple decades to keep populations controlled?

Cormorants yes, but loons no, at least in MN. Loons in MN are on a rung just a bit higher than the eagle. They are thick as flies and in no trouble at all but there was all kinds of money to "protect and restore" them recently from the deep water Horizon oil spill in the gulf. You know, the one that was going to silence the loons.

I live with in 100 yds of a lake that connects to Lake Michigan, and there is a road that runs the full length of the lake. Lots of ducks, geese, swans. But I am lucky if I see 4 loons in the spring and 2 in the fall. Mi. is like MN, we have lots of water. I would say there are rare in Mi. You would have to really look hard to find 2 loons 2 days in a row in my area.

The eagles ate'em lol