The Evolution Of Us Hunting Laws: Steel Shot For Geese

The use of steel shot for hunting geese in the US became law in 1991, following a phased ban on lead shot for hunting waterfowl that began in the 1987-88 hunting season. Hunters have expressed mixed opinions about the effectiveness of steel shot for hunting geese, with some noting that it often fails to bring down birds with a single shot and results in wounded birds that have to be tracked and finished off.

The use of lead shot for hunting waterfowl was banned in the US in the 1990-91 hunting season

The ban means that hunters must use nontoxic shot types, defined as any shot that does not cause sickness and death when ingested by migratory birds. Approved nontoxic shot types include various combinations of tungsten, iron, copper, nickel, tin, bismuth, and polymer.

The transition from lead to steel shot has been challenging for hunters, as steel shot performs differently and requires adjustments to equipment and techniques. Steel shot is harder than lead and does not deform as easily, which can result in a higher rate of wounded birds that are not killed instantly. Hunters have had to experiment with different shot sizes, loads, and chokes to find effective combinations for waterfowl hunting.

While steel shot is now the standard for waterfowl hunting in the US, there are ongoing discussions and debates among hunters about the most effective shot sizes, loads, and chokes for different types of waterfowl, including geese. Some hunters prefer larger shot sizes like BB or BBB for geese, while others have found success with smaller shot sizes like #1 or #2 steel. Ultimately, the choice of shot size depends on factors such as the species and size of the geese, the range of the shot, and the hunter's gun and choke configuration.

Hunters argue that steel shot is less effective than lead, requiring multiple shots to bring down a goose

Hunters have argued that steel shot is less effective than lead, requiring multiple shots to bring down a goose. This argument has been made since the nationwide ban on the use of lead shot for hunting waterfowl came into effect in 1991. Hunters claim that steel shot often fails to bring down a goose with a single shot, even when aimed squarely at the breast, and that it is only effective when the charge is centred in the head and neck area. This precision is difficult to achieve in real-life hunting situations, and more common body shots often result in long-distance recovery or total loss of the goose.

The hardness of steel is cited as a reason for its reduced effectiveness compared to lead. Steel shot tends to travel completely through the bird, causing minimal damage unless a vital organ is accidentally hit. This argument is supported by the observation that a similar effect would be seen if a deer were hit by a non-expanding, solid hunting bullet, which is illegal to use on deer in Maryland.

Hunters have also noted that steel shot has caused confusion regarding shotgun chokes. The traditional full choke of lead shot rarely works with steel, often resulting in “blown” patterns with a large hole in the centre. This further reduces the effectiveness of steel shot, as hunters must experiment with different chokes and loads to find a combination that patterns well with their gun.

To compensate for the perceived lack of effectiveness of steel shot, hunters have adopted various strategies. Some hunters increase the shot size, using larger shot like BB, BBB, or even T shot, to increase the likelihood of hitting vital areas. Others opt for faster steel loads, believing that increased velocity will improve the stopping power of the shot. Some hunters also choose to limit their shooting range, recognising that steel shot is less effective at longer distances, and pass up shots beyond a certain range.

Despite these adjustments, many hunters continue to believe that steel shot is inferior to lead and results in more wounded and lost birds. They argue that lead shot was more effective at bringing down geese with a single shot, reducing the need for follow-up shots and minimising the suffering of the animal.

Steel shot can travel completely through a bird, causing minimal damage unless a vital organ is hit

Steel shot has been mandated by law for hunting waterfowl in the US since the 1991 nationwide ban on the use of lead shot. This includes hunting geese, which are considered part of the waterfowl family Anatidae.

Steel shot is far from ideal for hunting geese, as it often fails to bring them down quickly and humanely. Hunters have observed that steel shot can travel completely through a bird, causing minimal damage unless a vital organ is hit. This results in a long-distance recovery or total loss of the bird. In contrast, lead shot deforms upon impact, increasing the likelihood of a quick kill.

The hardness of steel shot means that it does not deform upon impact with a bird, allowing it to pass through with minimal damage. This is similar to the effect of a non-expanding, solid hunting bullet on a deer, which is illegal to use in Maryland. To increase the likelihood of a successful hunt, gunners may need to aim for the head and neck area, as body shots with steel shot often result in the bird flying off and dying later.

To compensate for the challenges of using steel shot, hunters may need to adjust their equipment and strategies. This includes using modified chokes in their shotguns and selecting appropriate shot sizes, such as BBs or #2s, for the specific type of waterfowl being hunted.

Hunters have to adapt their shotguns to use steel shot, with traditional full chokes seldom working

The use of steel shot for hunting waterfowl, including geese, was phased in from the 1987-88 hunting season and became a nationwide law in the US in 1991. This legislation was introduced due to the toxic effects of lead shot on wildlife, which can be fatal to prey animals, scavengers, and predators.

Hunters have had to adapt their shotguns to use steel shot, and the traditional full chokes seldom work with this type of ammunition. Steel shot causes "blown" patterns, which is when a shot pattern has a large hole in the centre. The density of steel is lower than that of lead, and it does not deform as easily, resulting in a more concentrated pattern. This means that hunters need to use different chokes with steel shot to achieve the desired spread. For example, a full choke with lead shot is comparable to a modified choke with steel shot.

To adapt to these changes, hunters may need to experiment with various loads and shotguns to find the most effective setup for steel shot. In general, a modified choke is recommended for a single-barrel gun, while a modified and improved cylinder is best for a twin-tubed shotgun. For decoying ducks within 35 yards, a skeet and improved cylinder are suitable.

It is important to note that steel shot also has a shorter effective range compared to lead, with some hunters recommending against using it beyond 40 yards. The cost of steel shot has also been a consideration for hunters, but prices have become more competitive in recent years.

The use of steel shot is limited to waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and swans

The use of steel shot for hunting waterfowl in the US is legally mandated. The law was phased in from the 1987-88 hunting season and became nationwide in 1991. The use of steel shot is limited to waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and swans. This is because steel shot is harder than lead and, therefore, less likely to deform and cause minimal damage unless a vital organ is accidentally hit.

The use of steel shot for waterfowl hunting has been a topic of discussion and debate among hunters. Some hunters argue that steel shot is far from ideal for shooting geese and ducks, as it often results in long-distance recovery or total loss of the bird. They believe that the only time steel kills as quickly and efficiently as lead is when the shot charge is centered in the head and neck area.

However, other hunters have found success using steel shot for waterfowl hunting. Some recommend using #2 steel load for geese, while others suggest using larger sizes such as BB or even BBB. The choice of steel shot size depends on the species and size of the geese, with smaller sizes like #2 being suitable for smaller Canada geese and larger sizes like BBB for bigger geese.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of steel shot also depends on the distance to the target, the choke used, and the patterning of the gun. Hunters should consider the speed of the targets and the right shot size for the ducks or geese they are likely to encounter. Additionally, the shotshell length can impact the charge and payload of the shot.

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