The rule, published in the July 27, 1998, Federal Register, would require those hunting on WPAs to possess only non-toxic shot such as steel, bismuth, or tungsten-iron. While the use of non-toxic shot has been a requirement for waterfowl hunting on WPAs since 1992, this restriction would now apply to all hunters on WPAs except those hunting turkey and deer. By federal law, all WPAs are open to public hunting, fishing and trapping.
We know when birds ingest lead shot its deadly to them, said Regional Service Director Bill Hartwig. Lead can also be deadly to other animals like eagles and hawks if they feed on birds or bird carcasses which contain lead shot. This proposed rule would help reduce the lead poisoning hazard for all animals on these important Waterfowl Production Areas.
Upland areas associated with wetlands provide important nesting cover for both waterfowl and upland birds like ring-necked pheasants, marsh hawks (Northern Harrier) and meadowlarks. Traditionally, these upland areas have also been favored by small game hunters-- especially pheasant hunters--because of their ability to hold game. Because many of these areas are subject to seasonal flooding, shot pellets deposited during fall hunting seasons can later be ingested by waterfowl feeding in these areas during high water periods in the spring. The non-toxic shot rule would end the accumulation of lead in these areas.
Most WPAs are located in the duck-producing prairie pothole states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, and Michigan also contain these important production areas. True to their name, WPAs -- which range in size from just under an acre to several thousand acres -- do produce waterfowl. Although WPAs and refuge lands in the prairie pothole region account for less than two percent of the habitat, they produce nearly 23 percent of the areas waterfowl. Over 650,000 acres are designated as WPAs.
Non-toxic shot currently approved for use by the Service includes shot made of steel or bismuth. Tungsten-iron and tungsten-polymer shot, presently under review, are likely to be approved for the 1998/1999 hunting season. If approved, notice of approval would be published in the Federal Register in September. Non-toxic shot shells are available commercially in popular shotgun gauges and loads. Non-toxic shot is also available for those hunters who load their own shells and for those who use primitive muzzleloading firearms. Both modern (breechloading) and muzzleloading firearms used on WPAs are restricted to non-toxic shot use.
WPAs are part of the nations National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the primary federal agency responsible for the conservation and protection of fish, wildlife and their habitat. The National Wildlife Refuge System includes more than 93 million acres of land, including over 3,000 WPAs and 514 National Wildlife Refuges. Many refuges also offer fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Those interested in commenting on the proposed non-toxic shot rule are invited to write to:
Assistant Director, Refuges and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1849 C Street NW, MS 670 ARLSQ, Washington, DC 20240.
All comments must be received within a 30-day public comment period which ends August 26, 1998. A final rule will be issued and published in the Federal Register following the public comment period. It is anticipated the final regulations will be in effect during the 1998-1999 hunting seasons.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 93-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System which encompasses more than 530 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 66 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resource offices and 78 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies. For further information about the programs and activities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the Great Lakes-Big Rivers Region, please visit our home page at: http://midwest.fws.gov
