U.S. Fish and Wildlife
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife website lists that hunting is available at almost 400 national wildlife refuges, more than 35 wetland management districts, and almost 20 national fish hatcheries. Anyone who hunts on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands or waters must have the appropriate state license(s). Hunts at wildlife refuges, wetland management districts, and fish hatcheries usually are organized around state hunting seasons and in accordance with state bagging limits. Licenses and hunting information can be obtained from state fish and game departments.
State Regulations
To learn about each state’s hunting regulations and lead ammunition restrictions. All materials presented are for general information purposes only. The information for each state may not be current and is subject to change without notice. We recommend that you reference your state’s official fish and wildlife website for current hunting regulations and lead ammunition restrictions.
Alabama — Hunting Regulations 2023-2024
Arizona — Hunting Regulations 2023-2024
Ohio - Hunting Regulations 2023 - 2024
Oklahoma - Hunting Regulations 2023-2024
Wisconsin - Hunting Regulations 2023 -2024
FEDERAL REGULATIONS
FEDERAL REGULATIONS PROHIBITING THE USE OF LEAD AMMUNITION
1991 NATIONWIDE BAN ON LEAD SHOT FOR HUNTING MIGRATORY BIRDS
The 50 Code of Federal Regulations §20.21 prohibits, in any state, the hunting of migratory birds during open season with shot for muzzle loading or shot shells containing anything other than approved shot types and containing less than 1 percent residual lead.
The 50 Code of Federal Regulations §32.2 prohibits the possession of anything other than approved shot while on Waterfowl Production Areas, or on certain other areas of the National Wildlife Refuge System as indicated by refuge headquarters. Where turkey and deer hunting are allowed, use of slugs and shot containing lead are permitted to hunt these species, unless prohibited by refuge-specific regulations and or State law. See the list below for National Wildlife Refuges in each state that restrict possession of lead ammunition.
Arizona - N/A
Arkansas - The federal regulation prohibits the possession of lead ammunition while hunting upland game at the Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge. (see 50 CFR 32.23).
California - N/A
Colorado - N/A
Connecticut - N/A
Delaware - N/A
Florida - N/A
Georgia - N/A
Hawaii - N/A
Idaho - N/A
Illinois - The federal regulation permits the possession of approved nontoxic shot while hunting for upland game except turkey at Great River National Wildlife Refuge.
The federal regulation permits the possession of approved shot while hunting upland game at Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge. (see 50 CFR 32.32).
Indiana - N/A
Iowa - N/A
Kansas - N/A
Kentucky - N/A
Louisiana - The federal regulation permits the use and possession of lead shot for turkey hunting in Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge. (see 50 CFR 32.37).
Maine - N/A
Maryland - N/A
Massachusetts - N/A
Michigan - N/A
Minnesota - The federal regulation permits lead shot for hunting turkey at the Minnesota Value National Wildlife Refuge only. (see 50 CFR 32.42).
Missouri - N/A
Montana - N/A
Nebraska - N/A
Nevada - The federal regulation prohibits the use or possession of lead shots at the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge. (see 50 CFR 32.47).
New Hampshire - N/A
New Jersey - N/A
New Mexico - N/A
New York - N/A
North Carolina - N/A
North Dakota - N/A
Ohio - N/A
Oklahoma - N/A
Oregon - N/A
Pennsylvania - N/A
Rhode Island - N/A
South Carolina - N/A
South Dakota - N/A
Tennessee - The federal regulation permits the use of lead shot while deer hunting on the refuge and possession of only approved nontoxic shot while hunting turkey at the Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge.
The federal regulation permits the use of lead shot while deer hunting at the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge.
The federal regulation permits the use of lead shot while deer hunting at the Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge.
Texas - N/A
Utah - N/A
Vermont - N/A
Virginia - N/A
Washington -N/A
West Virginia - The federal regulation permits the use of ammunition containing a single lead projectile for big game hunting and prohibits the use of buckshot at the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. ( see 50 CFR 32.68).
Wisconsin - N/A
Wyoming - N/A