Non Toxic Shot

The following information is part of a wider education program initiated by the Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee (HAC) to inform hunters of the conservation, practical and safety issues relevant to the use of non-toxic shot for duck hunting.

Lead is a toxic substance that can harm humans, wildlife and the environment. The most common lead poisoning in birds is considered to be the result of ingestion of spent lead shot used for waterfowl hunting.

The use of lead shot for duck hunting is prohibited throughout Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland (although duck hunting is banned). This includes duck hunting on all wetlands, waterways and dry lands on public and private land.

The non-toxic shot types permitted for use in Victoria includes; steel (soft iron), bismuth, tungsten-matrix, tungsten-iron, tungsten-polymer and tin. All have been rigorously tested and are considered to be non-toxic to wildlife. No other shot types (eg. zinc) can be used to hunt duck in Victoria. Hunters should check with their ammunition supplier to see which alternatives best suit their needs. Hunters should also check with their firearm's manufacturer or gunsmith to ensure that it is safe to use certain shot alternatives in their firearm.

Duck hunters may have toxic shot (eg. lead shot) on a State Game Reserve or any other area where they intend to hunt duck, provided it is secured in a vehicle. Hunters should also note that lead shot may be used for quail hunting on the 16 State Game Reserves where quail hunting is permitted.

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