I am planning on going turkey hunting in minnesota this spring but i realize most of the Turkey Loads are either lead or are lead coated in another metal. I know some Public Lands Do not allow lead shot to be used. i am planning on hunting a A WPA i know it is illegal to use lead for waterfowl. My question is can i use lead for turkey hunting on a WPA or do i have to shell out the 30 dollars for non toxic turkey Loads?

Buy a box and go hunting. You shouldn't need more than one per bird so they will last a while. Small price in the scheme of things.

Any ammunition used on a WPA needs to be non toxic. Doesn't matter what you're hunting. I hunt some WPA's for predators, have to have non toxic rifle bullets.

Make sure you don't have ANY lead shells in your possession, even buried in a pack, vest or jacket.

thanks for the info and advice

does anyone know if using a load such as winchester longbeard xr would be legal since it is mainly bismuth?

From what I can tell by Longbeard XR is a copper plated lead pellet. Therefore, those would not be legal on WPA's.

Longbeard xr is not bismouth. It is copper plated lead. The original winchester xtended range loads were not lead but those have been discontinued for a long while and is not the new longbeard xr.

ok thank you that makes more sense because i have read people talking about them being lead free but i looked at the boxes and they have lead. it makes sense because people are talking about two different loads. does anyone use heavy metal #4 that is made for duck hunting?

If that's the case, what are you supposed to use if you're hunting squirrels in a WMA, a slingshot with non-toxic rocks?

Heavy shot is non toxic they make turkey loads!

WMA (Wildlife Management Area) you can use lead. WPA (Waterfowl Production Area) you cannot use lead.

Hevi Shot you are good. Number 4 shot is a bit big, in my opinion, for turkey. It will certainly kill them dead, but typically the more pellets the better to ensure pellets hitting the brain/spine.

I thought the no lead in a WPA was only for shotguns? A rifle was fine with lead bullets?

The NRA was fighting this, i guess it passed?



https://www.nrahlf.org/articles/2017/3/7/nra-fights-lead-ammo-ban-targeting-minnesota-hunters/

The law doesn't specify between rifles and shotguns, only reads you need to use lead-free ammunition. I take that to mean rifle and shotgun, so I use lead-free all round just to be on the safe side.

No, that didn't pass. WPA regulations are federal regulations and are different than the rest of our public land laws.

Gottcha, thanks AJ.

I take that back. I just looked it up and you are right Woodsloafer. Rifles and muzzleloaders can use lead on WPA's. Jut shotguns are lead free. Good to know.

https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region_6/NWRS/Dakota_Zone/Sand_Lake_Complex/Sand_Lake_WMD/WPA_regs(1).pdf

What does the NRA do for you outdoorsmen and women? This is a Great example.

First lead shot then all lead ammunition. Based on no supporting data.

Same with fishing sinkers and jigs.

The MNDNR has been trying to slip this through some time now. Every Regulation book has a lead scare propaganda page.