Look for copper bullets in the future

[safeinOhio]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100531082601.htm

Lead in Ammunition Contaminates Game Meat


ScienceDaily (June 6, 2010) — Eating the meat of animals hunted using lead ammunition can be more dangerous for health than was previously thought, especially for children and people who consume large quantities. This is reflected in a study carried out by British and Spanish researchers that has been published by the journal PLos One.
A team of scientists from the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), along with researchers from other British institutions and from the Spanish Research Institute on Cynegetic Resources (IREC in Spanish), has proven that the levels of lead in some game meat that has already been cooked exceed the maximum allowances set by the European Union, due to the presence of remains of ammunition.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

1. Might need more studies on deer, etc.

It seems like the major study cited was focused on birds. In the US, steel shot is available, and in at least some areas required. Steel shot is just better for the environment as a whole.

I don't know how the study on other animals was done, whether it was conducted on the the meat after processing, or done on the flesh around the wound. Generally, the lead should dissolve slowly, and if the animal is dead, won't spread from the wound area. If your shot was good, the lead should end up dumped with the innards during field gutting/cleaning.

Copper bullets are good for penetration, like for tough-skinned prey, elephants and rhinos if you're into safaris. For deer, the copper-jacketed lead is good, with the expansion of the bullet making the kill quicker. Pure copper bullets might just go through a deer and leave it wounded, to die days or weeks later. No thanks.

[safeinOhio]

2. 90% of my deer are killed with steel

broadheads.