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H 1047

An Act requiring nonlead ammunition when taking wildlife

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Sena

Massachusetts bill mandates nonlead ammunition for all wildlife hunting to reduce environmental lead contamination and wildlife exposure risks.

Accompanied a study order, see H5307
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Bill Summary · H 1047

Legislative bill overview

H 1047 mandates the use of nonlead ammunition for all wildlife hunting and take in Massachusetts. The bill would effectively ban traditional lead ammunition for hunting purposes and require hunters to transition to copper, steel, or other nonlead alternatives.

Why is this important

Lead ammunition fragments scatter in wildlife and ecosystems after impact, creating documented bioaccumulation risks for predatory birds (particularly raptors), scavengers, and other wildlife that consume shot animals or ammunition fragments. Public health advocates also cite potential lead exposure risks to hunters and consumers of game meat. This represents one of several state-level efforts to reduce environmental and biological lead pathways beyond drinking water and paint remediation.

Potential points of contention

  • Ammunition cost and availability: Nonlead ammunition typically costs 20-50% more per round and may have limited availability in rural areas, creating compliance and equity concerns for hunters
  • Regulatory burden and enforcement: Determining compliance across private hunting lands and establishing enforcement mechanisms presents practical challenges
  • Scientific efficacy debate: While lead toxicity in raptors is well-documented, some stakeholders dispute the magnitude of impact on overall wildlife populations or question whether nonlead alternatives perform equivalently in all hunting scenarios

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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