Following a public comment period that ended July 19, the Service has given permanent approval to tungsten-iron and tungsten-polymer shot after reviewing research that showed no harm to birds that ingest the pellets. Hunters were allowed to use those shots during the 1998-99 season after they were given temporary approval by the Service.
The Service has also given temporary approval to tungsten-matrix and tin shot for the upcoming season. Preliminary tests showed no adverse health effects on waterfowl exposed to either shot.
"Protecting waterfowl, while also making it easier for hunters to comply with non-toxic shot regulations, has always been our goal. This year, hunters will have a wide range of shot choices, each of which will help ensure the future health of our waterfowl resources," said Acting Service Director John Rogers.
In 1991, lead shot was phased out for use in waterfowl hunting because it was found to be toxic to ducks and geese that ingest it while feeding. At that time, steel shot became the only legal load for waterfowl hunting, until bismuth-tin shot was given permanent approval.
Tungsten-matrix shot, manufactured by the Kent Cartridge Manufacturing Co. of Kearneysville, West Virginia, was given temporary approval for part of the 1998-99 season. The International Tin Research Institute, based in Oxbridge, England, applied for temporary approval for tin shot last year. More extensive tests to determine both shots impact on birds long-term health and reproductive cycles must be conducted before either can be considered for permanent approval.
In its previous decisions, the Service did not approve the use of any tungsten-based shot in Alaskas Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta because of concern that the absorption of tungsten into the femur, kidney, and liver could potentially affect the threatened spectacled eider. However, based on test results that showed no adverse toxicological impacts on birds that ingested tungsten-iron and tungsten-polymer shot, the Service sees no reason to prohibit the use of those shots or of tungsten-matrix shot on the delta this season.
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 comprised of more than 500 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands, and other special management areas. It also operates 66 national fish hatcheries, 64 fish and wildlife management assistance 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.
