Of the many approved types of nontoxic shot, each has its own characteristics and benefits. Some, such as steel, are harder, pattern tighter, and have more pellets in each load than lead shot. Others are more expensive, but have characteristics similar to lead. Regardless of what you choose, learn how it works with your shotgun before heading out to hunt.
Learn Your Shooting Range
Many hunters underestimate distances and shoot birds out of range. Find your effective range with nontoxic shot by shooting at a target 20 yards away. Once you have that down, increase the distance to your target in small increments. This will help you learn to judge distances and how far you can effectively shoot before you go hunting.
Take a Class
To help hunters become more efficient and ethical harvesters of waterfowl and other game using nontoxic ammunition, the Conservation Department offers “Effective Wingshooting for the Hunter.” These classes were developed based on peer-reviewed scientific research by the Cooperative North American Shotgunning Education Program. Certified instructors teach participants how to choose the correct choke, load, and shot size for different game, how to estimate shooting distances, and how to effectively lead their target. For more information, visit the Events page.
- All waterfowl hunting (ducks, geese, teal, and coots)
- Hunting dove, rails, snipe, and woodcock on public areas with nontoxic shot requirement posted.
- Hunting with a shotgun (including dove, turkey, quail, rabbit, squirrel) on thirty-seven conservation areas.
Waterfowl hunters in Missouri have used nontoxic shot since 1991. This requirement has been shown to reduce the incidences of lead poisoning in wildlife.
Shot size can affect accuracy and pattern. Suggested shot size varies by waterfowl species.
Recommended non-toxic shot for hunting different waterfowl
| Waterfowl Species | Minimum | Typical hunting conditions | Minimum desired pattern density (hits/30" circle) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small ducks over decoys |
6 steel* 6 tungsten allow |
6 – 4 steel 6 – 4 tungsten alloy |
135 |
| Medium ducks over decoys |
6 steel* 6 tungsten alloy |
6 – 3 steel 4 – 6 tungsten alloy |
115 |
| Large ducks over decoys |
6 steel 6 tungsten alloy |
6 – 6 steel 4 – 6 tungsten alloy |
85 |
| Large ducks Pass Shooting |
2 steel | 2 – 1 steel | 85 |
| Small geese | 2 steel 2 bismuth 4 tungsten alloy |
BB – BBB steel 2 bismuth 2 tungsten alloy |
60 |
| Large geese | 2 steel 2 bismuth 4 tungsten alloy |
BB – BBB steel 1 – BB bismuth 2 – BB tungsten alloy |
50 |
Close range is less than 35 yards; all shots should be limited to less than 45 yards. Velocity on all loads should be a minimum of 1,225 FPS.
*Note: Small shot (#6) is an excellent choice for close range swatter loads for finishing cripples.