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By fall of 2026, FWS will phase out the use of lead ammunition for all hunting on the refuge (deer included).
The FWS currently requires PRR hunters to use lead-free* ammunition for upland game, squirrels, turkey, migratory bird and waterfowl hunting. The FWS strongly encourages deer hunters to use lead-free ammunition to reduce lead ingestion by hunters and scavenger animals (e.g., eagles, foxes).
[ *= a lot of literature use the term non-lead, but they are the same thing - bullets made without lead in any shape or form.]
Why is this important?
Numerous studies around the world have shown that lead fragments can poison humans and animals.
The image on the left shows how lead bullets fragments spread throughout the deer. As the lead bullet breaks up, those little pieces are still traveling at high rates of speed and penetrating the soft internal tissues and stopping when they hit dense muscle like those delicious backstraps.
The image on the right shows lead in processed deer meat. Some states have banned or restricted venison donations to avoid lead poisoning.
Research shows that lead-free bullets actually perform better than lead in penetration and impact, leading to more humane harvests.
Lead-free ammunition does cost a little more, but isn't your health worth a couple of extra dollars to avoid lead poisoning?
Cost Comparison per Round
Lead Copper
Federal 12 Gauge $ 1.40 $4.40
Winchester 350 Legend 1.35 2.45
Muzzleloader .50 cal (*) 1.46 2.33
CCI .22 LR 0.22 0.49 (manufacturers have discontinued .22 lead-free bullets but they will come back)
(*) Muzzleloader: Lead is Powerbelt, Copper is Federal
We encourage you to use lead-free ammunition wherever you hunt and save your lead ammunition for target practice.
Here are some links to a few reports about lead ammunition:
National Park Service - Lead Bullet Risks for Wildlife & Humans
California Audubon Society - The man who sounded the alarm about lead ammunition and public health
Australia Game Management - Environmental and health risks of lead bullets for deer hunting
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