2023 WESTERN WRITERS OF AMERICA SPUR AWARD FINALIST

In this groundbreaking work, McTee, a hunter and wildlife researcher in western
Montana, exposes a terrifying link between humans and eagles, while building
the framework for how to safeguard these iconic raptors.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in how modern hunters are leading our nation’s conservation efforts.  —Montana Outdoors


When two raptor biologists unexpectedly walk into Mike
McTee’s kitchen with a golden eagle, the bird’s penetrating stare redirects his life. 



After years of research and speaking with dozens of raptor
experts, McTee discovers eagles across the United States have toxic lead lacing
their veins, often from scavenging hunting remains peppered with bullet
fragments. Armed with a background in chemistry and a deep knowledge of hunting,
McTee latches to the issue, becoming an ambassador for eagles and lead-free
bullets. 



Weaving hunting stories and eagle encounters, Wilted
Wings flies readers from Montana’s “Golden Eagle Highway” to wild British Columbia, and to the desolate
Mongolian Steppe, where Kazakhs still hunt foxes with eagles. Drawing from
historical records, wildlife research, and expert opinions, McTee illuminates
the braided natural histories of humans and eagles, framing a path that would strip
lead from the diets of these soaring icons.

McTee
has conducted ballistics studies and hunted extensively with non-lead
ammunition. For hunters interested in going lead-free, Wilted Wings finishes with a supplemental section that
details how to find the right ammunition for your gun and understand its
downrange capabilities.

Photographer(s): Estelle Shuttleworth