What is the primary reason lead shot is no longer favored for waterfowl hunting?

The primary reason lead shot is no longer favored for waterfowl hunting is the risk of lead poisoning in birds. When waterfowl ingest lead shot while foraging in the water or on land, the toxic properties of lead can cause severe health issues, often resulting in death. This has significant implications for wildlife conservation, as lead poisoning not only affects individual birds but can also impact entire populations.

In addition to the health risks to birds, the ingestion of lead can have broader ecological consequences, disrupting food chains and ecosystems. As a result of these dangers, many wildlife advocacy groups and government agencies have promoted the use of non-toxic shot alternatives, leading to regulations that restrict or prohibit the use of lead shot in waterfowl hunting across many areas. This shift aims to protect both waterfowl populations and the broader environment.