Minnesota To Ban Lead Shot in Scientific and Natural Areas, State Parks

(KNSI) – Hunters in a handful of spots in central Minnesota will need to change their ammo due to a new state statute.

Minnesota has taken another step towards eliminating lead ammunition by banning its use in scientific and natural areas and state parks starting this fall. The regulation applies to rifles, pistols, and shotguns.

The ban includes the St. Wendel Tamarack Bog near St. Joseph and the Uncas Dunes east of Becker. Hunting is only allowed in 56 of the state’s 166 scientific and natural areas. Hunting or gathering in SNA areas is usually banned to preserve the biodiversity of special species of plants and animals.

Hunting is generally prohibited in state parks, but several have special youth, antlerless, archery, muzzleloader and other hunts to keep the deer population in check. There are 66 special hunts in state parks across Minnesota.

The new regulations will be available in the 2023 hunting and trapping guide later this summer.

Lead shot has been banned for waterfowl hunting across North America for more than a decade. Critics say even a small amount of lead can be fatal to eagles and other birds. Hunters say the non-toxic shot is more expensive, and while some birds may die from lead poisoning, there’s no evidence of overall populations being harmed.

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