Some interesting reading on bullets and lead contamination

Lead Information for Hunters

Information discovered last spring indicates that small lead fragments often are present in hunter-harvested venison, particularly ground venison. As a result, the Minnesota DNR conducted the first-of-its-kind lead fragmentation study to simulate how different types of bullets commonly used for deer hunting might fragment.

To date, no illnesses have been linked to consumption of lead particles in hunter-harvested venison. But the DNR recognizes that the potential impacts of lead fragments ingested when eating hunter-harvested game are not well understood. Only now are state and federal health, wildlife and food safety agencies beginning to collect, study and analyze data to determine exactly what those impacts may be.

DNR Fish & Wildlife Division staff designed the study using firearms and ammunition commonly used by Minnesota deer hunters. The results are not exhaustive but they do show that all bullets fragment, some more than others, and make it clear that lead fragments travel much farther than expected.

Before you go into the field this fall, consider the information presented in the links below. Watch our online presentation or download it for reference. Use the information to make your own decision about the ammunition you choose.

Hunting is more than a Minnesota tradition. It's part of our heritage. It's part of our families. It's part of our future. Your DNR wants to keep it that way.

View The Results
This online presentation http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/fish_wildlife/lead/index.htm presents the study's finding in an animated and narrated, easy-to-follow format. Links are provided that allow you to download supporting documents.

Download The Results
Download The Short Research Summary http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/fish_wildlife/lead/bulletstudy/resources/shortsummary.pdf (2 pages | 24k) A summary of the study and its findings.

Download The Complete Research Summary http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/fish_wildlife/lead/bulletstudy/resources/publicsummary.pdf (13 pages | 138k) An in-depth explanation, discussion and analysis of the study, its design, the way it was conducted and its findings.

Tips For Hunters http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/fish_wildlife/lead/bulletstudy/resources/huntertips.pdf The DNR has assembled nine tips that provide hunters with helpful and useful information.
 
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A few years ago while eating some moose chili, I bit into something hard and spit out a small piece of lead. I immediately wondered about how much more lead was potentially in the meat and concern for my young daughter and wife's health because of potential contamination was raised.

Since this episode, I've always wondered about lead in meat and after a quick review of the slideshow and docs, I'll say that this is one of the best info sessions I've seen regarding bullet composition and design and the subsequent effects after impact of lead fragments in meat.

Oh yeah Bartell, as is to be expected, the TSX did well.
 
I don't eat the parts that have been traumatized by bullets. Pretenderized pulp never appealed to me. Now, finding that lucky deer hair in my chili is another story.
 
umm hey arent you guys oh say 100 years to late to worry about a little lead in your diet? ..........a world full of real problems and a topic older than dirt arrises to impress nor teach anyone a thing hmmmm
 
bone-collector said:
umm hey arent you guys oh say 100 years to late to worry about a little lead in your diet? ..........a world full of real problems and a topic older than dirt arrises to impress nor teach anyone a thing hmmmm
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I guess some of us just aren't as knowlegeable as you......:rolleyes:
 
The average canadian willl get more lead drinking wine from crystal glasses than they'll get from venison.


I shot all of last year's deer in the head anyway.
 
sjemac said:
The average canadian willl get more lead drinking wine from crystal glasses than they'll get from venison.


I shot all of last year's deer in the head anyway.
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Average must have a different meaning in Sundre......not many crystal wine glasses in my house....:D
 
Jess said:
I guess it just passes straight through. Growing up I used to eat a fair amount of pheasant. It hasn't done me any harm - at least I don't think. :eek:
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It is less likely that exposure to lead would kill you. Here are some long term health effects:
Symptoms typically occur with low to moderate exposure and include forgetfulness, irritability, tiredness, headache, fatigue, impotence, decreased libido (###ual drive), dizziness, and depression. Repeated exposure to moderate to high levels can cause encephalopathy (a progressive degeneration of certain parts of the brain). Early symptoms of encephalopathy include dullness, irritability, poor attention span, headache, muscular tremor, loss of memory and hallucinations. More severe symptoms occur at very high exposures and include delirium, lack of coordination, convulsions, paralysis, coma and death.
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Excerpt from Health Effects of Lead
 
I just shot a couple of grouse..

I fed them to The Girl, and she enjoyed it immensely, but she found a "hard bit" and accidently swallowed the #6 pellet...

Will she die?:runaway:
 
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