Lead shot is toxic to wildlife and the environment.
Lead shot is still permitted for hunting woodcock, mourning doves and band-tailed pigeons, except within National Wildlife Areas, where possession of lead shot is prohibited for all hunting including upland game. Lead is a toxic substance, estimated to kill some 250,000 waterfowl each year and poison millions more. Despite this, the recent decision by the federal government to require the use of non-toxic shot for waterfowl hunting in Canada was greeted with mixed reaction by some sport hunting groups. Although alternative shot research has improved the quality of steel and other non-toxic shot types since the 1950's, many misconceptions remain and hunters are reluctant to make the change. This document is designed to help you understand the new regulation and to answer some of the most frequently asked questions.