The bald eagle angle is an absolute sham. The bald eagle population is at all time highs, and has been consistently rising since the banning of DDT. The use, or elimination of lead shot, has had statistically zero impact on the bald eagle population.

This is easily seen by looking at the US Fish and Wildlife services tracking of the eagle population: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/eagle/population/chtofprs.html

If there is a higher rate of eagles coming into contact with carcasses with lead fragments, it is because the eagle population is so high. One can use the same logic with an endless number of examples, like deer/car collisions. A high deer population naturally leads to more cars hitting deer.

However the anti-lead/gun proponents realize the bald eagle has a sympathetic story, and will use that fact when dealing with the public.

“I left long before daylight, alone but not lonely.”~Gordon Macquarrie