Non-toxic shot types
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 hunting game ducks, Stubble Quail and non-indigenous game birds is prohibited throughout Victoria. This includes game bird hunting on all wetlands, waterways and dry lands on public and private land.
The non-toxic shot types permitted for use in Victoria include:
- iron (steel)
- bismuth-tin
- iron-tungsten
- iron-tungsten-nickel
- tungsten-bronze
- tungsten-iron-copper-nickel
- tungsten-matrix
- tungsten-polymer
- tungsten-tin-iron
- tungsten-tin-bismuth
- tungsten-tin-iron-nickel
- tungsten-iron-polymer
These shot types have been extensively tested and found to be non-toxic to waterfowl and other wildlife.
No other shot types (eg. zinc) can be used to hunt game birds 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.