Why choose lead-free hunting ammunition?
Lead ammunition loses weight as small pieces strip from the front of the bullet as it passes through an animal. These fragments are found farther from the wound channel than you may expect, and many are too small to see with the naked eye, making them difficult to remove.
Lead fragments may be left in the remains after harvesting an animal, even after field dressing. Gut piles from field-dressed animals provide a food source for scavenging wildlife such as bald and golden eagles. But lead in these piles can be harmful or fatal to scavengers.
When ingested, a piece of lead no bigger than a grain of rice can sicken and even kill an animal the size of a bald eagle.
How can you help?
Protect wildlife by choosing lead-free ammunition this hunting season. We encourage hunters to choose lead-free ammunition for all hunting, not only big game.
Try Lead-Free Ammunition this Hunting Season
This fall hunting season, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is implementing a pilot lead-free ammunition incentive program at seven national wildlife refuges across the U.S.
Through the incentive program, hunters at participating sites can try lead-free hunting ammunition for free by submitting receipts to receive a gift card for up to $50 per box of lead-free hunting ammunition ($25/box for shotgun or muzzleloader and $50/box for rifle). First come, first served. Limit 2 boxes of ammunition per eligible hunter.
Incentive program form coming soon. Check back to submit your proof of purchase.
Lead-free incentive program hunting locations:
- William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon
- Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge in Indiana
- Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin
- Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina
Lead-free incentive program locations with additional education workshops and an opportunity to test ammunition:
- Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey
- Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland
- Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge in West Virginia
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Join in and hear the conversation about lead and lead-free hunting ammunition
All Initiatives related to Lead-free
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