British Columbia is considering a complete ban on lead shot for hunting in a proposal that is currently open for public feedback.
The proposal states that despite existing restrictions, “waterfowl, raptors, and other scavengers continue to be exposed to lead when they feed on animals that contain lead shot or fragments.”
OFAH Fish and Wildlife Biologist Matthew Robbins said there is some evidence that terrestrial birds like doves and upland birds consume small quantities of lead as grit for their crops, but stressed the research is limited.
“As for lead poisoning in predatory birds, it is likely this issue is most attributable to lead fragments from single projectile firearms like rifles, rather than shot,” Robbins said.
He was concerned that lead shot restrictions could have an impact on hunters.
“Many older firearm models, for example, lack interchangeable chokes and may not safely accommodate non-lead shot,” he said.
“Availability of non-lead shot in less popular gauges and shot sizes remains limited in Canada, and the cost is high.”
If implemented, it would be the first ban on lead shot for all hunting in Canada.
