The Missouri Department of Conservation is proposing regulations that would require the use of nontoxic shot, such as steel, for hunting doves on 20 conservation areas with heavy, concentrated dove hunting.
The department also proposes adding 16 areas to its existing 21 conservation areas where nontoxic shot is required for all hunting with shotguns.
The proposed regulations were developed during the agency’s midyear review of the state’s wildlife code and approved by the Conservation Commission at its Aug. 24 meeting.
The proposed effective date is March 1, 2019.
Public comment is welcome during October at short. mdc.mo.gov/Z49
Lead is a well-known poison that hurts the health of both people and wildlife. Research shows doves, waterfowl
and many other species of birds can suffer from lead poisoning after consuming lead pellets from spent shotgun shells. Lead poisoning can be fatal to birds and other wildlife, including bald eagles, that feed on waterfowl with lead shot in the carcasses.
Waterfowl hunters have been required by federal law to use nontoxic shot since 1991 and must use nontoxic shot for all duck, goose and coot hunting in Missouri regardless of where they hunt.