I’m not sure how I feel about this. If they’re going to require non-toxic shot on WMAs, why not just make it statewide?
Input sought on proposed hunting rule changes, including non-toxic shot on WMAs
Small-game hunters and others can give input starting Tuesday, Oct. 13, on proposed rules that include requiring the use of non-toxic shot on wildlife management areas (WMAs) in Minnesota’s farmland zone.
“The non-toxic shot rule would apply to hunters using shotguns with shot, not to hunters using single-projectile ammunition, such as rifles or shotguns with slugs,” said Jason Abraham, furbearer and regulations specialist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “We’re trying to reduce the amount of lead deposited on public land, especially wetlands.”
The non-toxic shot proposal is one of several proposed rule changes, which also include hunting game on certain refuges, use of non-toxic shot for rails and snipe statewide, and adjustments to small game possession limits.
The non-toxic shot requirement would affect hunters using shotguns to hunt wild turkey, pheasants and other small game species on WMAs in the farmland zone. Hunters currently need to use non-toxic shot for hunting waterfowl. It would not affect private land, state forest and county forest land. The farmland zone includes the far western and southern portion of the state. The forest zone makes up the northeastern part of the state and would not be affected by this proposed rule change.
“Requiring non-toxic shot on farmland zone WMAs will reduce the amount of lead deposited in or near wetlands on public lands. These are places with heavy hunting pressure,” Abraham said. “Also, federal lands already have this requirement, so our proposal makes the regulations simpler for hunters in WMAs, which are often bordered by federal land.”
The proposal would allow steel or other alternatives to lead that are approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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