Wildlife Conservation

Wild Migratory Waterfowl Lead Shot Poisoning

Waterfowl swallow lead shot pellets deposited in wetlands by hunters, causing progressive neurological poisoning and death.

Key Facts

Lead shot was banned for waterfowl hunting in the US in 1991
Wetland sediments from decades of hunting still contain billions of lead pellets
Waterfowl ingest lead shot while feeding on aquatic plants and grit
Steel and bismuth shot are effective non-toxic alternatives

Welfare Considerations

Lead poisoning in waterfowl causes a progressive neurological decline marked by weakness, inability to fly, and eventual death from starvation or predation. Affected birds suffer for weeks or months before dying. Despite bans in many countries, residual lead in wetland sediments continues to affect birds. In countries where lead shot is still legal, annual deposition continues to poison waterways.

What You Can Do

Switch to non-toxic shot for all hunting not just waterfowl
Support expansion of lead ammunition bans to all hunting contexts
Advocate for wetland remediation to address legacy lead deposits
Report obviously ill waterfowl to wildlife rehabilitators