Non-Toxic Shot
It is now several years since the UK government announced its intention to phase out the use of lead shot over wetlands. Although no convincing evidence has ever been presented to show that the use of lead shot in traditional wildfowling situations is a real problem in the British Isles, it seems almost certain that wildfowlers will be faced with a complete ban over wetland areas before very long.
Given this unsatisfactory state of affairs, what advice can be provided for the fowler? Both the American experience and UK trials can shed some light upon the issue.
The first alternative to emerge was steel shot - or, to be more accurate, soft iron shot. This was used extensively in the USA when lead was banned over there and, to be honest, American opinion continues to be divided. Some have accepted it with a fair degree of equanimity while other American hunters continue to curse it roundly.
What is certain is that many wildfowlers report higher incidences of wounding with steel shot and its effective range is unsuitable for British conditions of wildfowling on the foreshore. This year Canada also banned lead over wetlands and, when fowling on the Delta Marshes in Manitoba, I was forced to use it as no other alternative was available locally. Frankly, I was extremely disappointed with its performance and would not dream of using it from choice in the UK.
I have, however, tried bismuth cartridges in a variety of wildfowling situations in Britain and I really cannot tell the difference between bismuth and lead in the field. Bismuth shells are expensive when compared to lead but, given that I shoot relatively few cartridges over wetlands, I probably can contemplate the extra cost of a few boxes each year.
Bismuth also has the advantage, compared to steel, that it is not necessary to go more than one shot size larger than lead and, therefore, reasonable patterns can be maintained.
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation has pledged to strenuously oppose any attempt to legislate against the continued use of lead shot until and unless there is a realistic alternative available which is non-toxic, compares well with lead ballistically, is safe to use and is reasonably priced. So far, no alternative meets all of those conditions but, apart from the price factor, bismuth is probably the best option currently available.
For more on this issue go to www.wildfowling.co.uk
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