Wildlife Agency Wants to Ban Lead Shot in Parts of Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Some local hunters are speaking out against a proposed ban on lead shotgun pellets in certain parts of Minnesota.

The Department of Natural Resources reportedly wants to cut the amount of lead that winds up in the environment, harming waterfowl, but some hunters dispute the science and argue that lead shot works better than steel.

The proposal would affect small game hunting in wildlife management areas, dubbed "farmland zone," stretching from the northwest corner through the southern two-thirds of the state.

Lead shotgun pellets would be banned, but not single projectile ammunition, such as shotgun slugs or rifle bullets made of lead.

The department doesn't plan to make any changes until the measure is considered by the Minnesota Legislature.