Vermont Officials Urged Use of Non-Lead Ammunition

The state's fish and wildlife agency encourages hunters to switch to copper bullets for human and wildlife health.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Hunting

Bold vector editorial illustration of copper cartridges resting on moss, symbolizing the transition to non-lead ammunition in Vermont conservation efforts. — The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is urging hunters to transition to copper ammunition to mitigate the risk of lead fragment ingestion in wildlife and humans. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you choose to use more expensive non-lead ammunition to reduce health risks?

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is encouraging hunters to switch to non-lead ammunition for big game hunting. The guidance aims to reduce lead exposure risks for both humans and wildlife that feed on game remains.

Why it matters

Lead fragments from traditional bullets can scatter upon impact and remain hidden in meat, potentially causing health issues through ingestion. The move aligns with long-standing conservation efforts to keep lead out of the ecosystem.

Since 1991, federal regulations have required non-lead shotgun shells for waterfowl hunting. Today, most ammunition manufacturers offer big game rounds made with copper or copper alloy alternatives.

The players

Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

This is the state government agency responsible for managing Vermont's wildlife populations and enforcing hunting regulations.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

This federal agency manages fish, wildlife, and natural habitats, including setting national standards for hunting equipment.

The details

Lead bullets often fragment and scatter significantly beyond the point of entry in game animals, making the metallic pieces difficult to see or taste. This state-led push encourages hunters to utilize readily available copper or copper alloy alternatives to prevent these fragments from entering the food chain.

1991: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mandated non-lead shells for waterfowl.

Roadmap

The move reflects a broader industry shift toward voluntary adoption of non-lead materials in hunting. It mirrors the transition path taken by shotgun shell users following the 1991 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mandate on lead shot.

Hunters in Vermont should expect to see a wider variety of copper or copper alloy ammunition options available at retail sporting goods stores. Making the switch requires no change to traditional firearms, but it necessitates using different metallic rounds for harvesting game.

The takeaway

Hunters can prioritize safety by choosing copper-based ammunition that eliminates metallic fragments in harvested meat. Adopting these alternatives preserves the health of scavengers and reduces human exposure to lead in the wild.