What is the laws in Canada regarding steel shot?? What can I use lead shot on now?? I heard you have to use steel shot on migratory birds, what do migratory birds include, ducks, geese?? Is steel shot considered non-toxic, if so are tungsten and nitro and other heavyweights allowed on ducks and geese?? Thanks
What are the shot laws??
- Thread starter Max-4
- Start date
Non toxic shot is required by federal law for all migratory waterfowl, including ducks, geese and snipe, rails and woodcock.
Non-toxic shot types that have been tested and approved for use in Canada include:
• steel shot
• tin shot
• tungsten-iron shot
• bismuth-tin shot
• tungsten-polymer shot
• tungsten-matrix shot
Of these, tungsten polymer, tungsten matrix, bismuth tin and tin may be fired out of older barrels with tight chokes without fear of ringing the barrel(s). Steel (actually iron) shot is the least expensive of the non toxic alternatives. Steel and tin have the worst performance. For hunting, use lead on everything that does not require non toxic loads. Tungsten based shot is available as loaded cartridges from several manufacturers, both as hard (tungsten iron) and soft (tungsten matrix / polymer) alternatives. These options offer performance closest to lead, followed closely by bismuth, which is only offered in Canada as raw shot for hand loaders.
A good site which explains the requirements is here:
http://www.severnsound.ca/non-toxicshot.htm#Migratory Game Bird Species
Sharptail
Non-toxic shot types that have been tested and approved for use in Canada include:
• steel shot
• tin shot
• tungsten-iron shot
• bismuth-tin shot
• tungsten-polymer shot
• tungsten-matrix shot
Of these, tungsten polymer, tungsten matrix, bismuth tin and tin may be fired out of older barrels with tight chokes without fear of ringing the barrel(s). Steel (actually iron) shot is the least expensive of the non toxic alternatives. Steel and tin have the worst performance. For hunting, use lead on everything that does not require non toxic loads. Tungsten based shot is available as loaded cartridges from several manufacturers, both as hard (tungsten iron) and soft (tungsten matrix / polymer) alternatives. These options offer performance closest to lead, followed closely by bismuth, which is only offered in Canada as raw shot for hand loaders.
A good site which explains the requirements is here:
http://www.severnsound.ca/non-toxicshot.htm#Migratory Game Bird Species
Sharptail
Yes, absolutely. Although high velocity steel can be effective, it does not offer the long range killing power of lead. Tungsten matrix duplicates the density of lead and has the added benefit of not requiring a "modern" barrel to shoot it in. It does not require 3 1/2" chambers, and it does not mind fixed full chokes. Realistically, the cost of ammo is the smallest expense of a hunting trip or season. You will spend more money on gas. For the difference in the money, for hunting purposes, I will take the superior load every time.
Sharptail
Sharptail
beretta boy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Orillia, Ontario
In Ontario, non-toxic shot is not required for Woodcock. This exception does not apply however if you are legally hunting within one of the National Wildlife Areas. ( p.88, Fall 2005/Spring 2006 Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary)
- Location
- Near Coldwater, Ont
There are a lot of us who have been hunting since before non-toxic shot was even heard of JB. There was nothing about it in the hunters safety course when I took it 20yrs ago. There was no hunters safety course when my dad started, just walk into the hardware store and get a license. I can garantee you my dad has no clue what the rules are regarding non-toxic shot (no, he doesn't hunt waterfowl).
Workin Man said:
then i take it that you and your dad have not been hunting for long time then there is i booklet of the regs that sporting good store and places like Canadian Tire that sell lic you can pice that up it will be very helpful for you to see some of the new changes that have been made lead shot can be used for anything other then waterfowl.
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- Location
- Near Coldwater, Ont
You would be mistaken on that as well JB. I didn't say I didn't know the regs regarding non-toxic shot, just my dad because he doesn't hunt waterfowl. By the way, the last time I checked the Ontario hunting regs there was not a lot in there regarding migratory birds other than a little blurb about how these regs are set out by the feds and a complete copy can be had at any post office. They are not available at Canadian tire like the Ontario regs you mentioned.
