Dove Hunting Question

A

Andy Johnson

Member
Can someone clear up an argument? Can you use lead for doves, or since they are migratory, do you have to use steel?

thanks in advance
 
The fact that they are migratory has nothing to do with the ammo used. Here in Indiana it is shooter's choice on private land and steel on most (if not all) public land.
 
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From our Pa migratory brochure:

Nontoxic Shot, Shot Size: [font=Goudy,Goudy][font=Goudy,Goudy][font=Goudy,Goudy]NONTOXIC SHOT must be used while hunting ducks, geese and/or coots in Pennsylvania; the possession of lead shot while hunting ducks, geese and/or coots is unlawful. [/font][/font][/font]
[font=Goudy,Goudy][font=Goudy,Goudy][font=Goudy,Goudy][/font][/font][/font]
[font=Goudy,Goudy][font=Goudy,Goudy][font=Goudy,Goudy]i read this as lead is ok for doves as it does not specifically mention them although doves are mentioned in other areas of the brochure. I have tremendous respect for the law, just want to be on the right side of it.[/font][/font][/font]
 
Lead is not an issue federally with doves. We have to use it on state/federal land here in SD but on private we can use lead. Steel 6s do work very well on doves. I'm using up my lead stockpile on private land doves and will probably only buy steel in the future... but I don't shoot (shoot at) a lot of doves like some do so it isn't that big of a cost increase.

btw I don't get why snipe aren't listed as a steel only species by many states. Here they are steel only no matter what land but I see a lot of states snipe and even rails are not.

Tim
 
We use lead here in Alabama. It might be different in other states. Roll Tide Roll!
Click to expand...
Take it easy on my Hokies this weekend! Don't bruise us too bad so we can't play in the ACC! Why oh why would we schedule these games????
 
It's up to the states to regulate. One state field I hunt is steel only because of water on the property and waterfowl use the area. Another state field I hunt allows lead since the area is not in a waterfowl area.

Usually private landowners can dictate the shot usage but if your hunting state of fed land I'd call and verify.
 
Eric~

I applaud your elective use of steel. I have used only steel through my shotguns since about 1980 - I mostly hunt waterfowl and turkeys. One of my earliest tasks as a Wterfowl Biologist was talking with waterfowlers about lead poisoning, etc. The fact is, elemental lead has no known benefit to biological systems - it always functions as a poison to one degree or another. Even when we shoot a few clay birds, we use steel (I think $7/box for 20 gauge) - because I hate to be spraying lead anywhere on my farm (the occasional rifle bullet for deer is the exception).

BTW: Kent Fasteel #3s and my Model 12 - my usual duck combination - have never failed me on gobblers.

All the best,

SJS
 
No dove hunting here, but I believe steel is required in Maine for rail hunting. (#7 steel does a number on sora rails with a direct hit at close range.) Not sure about snipe--I only know one guy who snipe hunts, and he uses non-tox for everything.

Definitely not required for woodcock, which are also migratory, except on some public land units.
 
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