The NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife is advising waterfowl hunters that the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has published a final rule approving tungsten-iron-fluoropolymer shot for hunting waterfowl and coots. The final rule is effective immediately.

The ban on lead shot for hunting waterfowl became nationwide in 1991. Nontoxic shot regulations apply only to waterfowl and coots and is defined as any shot type that does not cause sickness and death when ingested by migratory birds.

The shot types that are approved as nontoxic for waterfowl hunting in the U.S. are posted on the FWS website at www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/nontoxic.htm. Information on waterfowl and waterfowl hunting in New Jersey can be found at www.njfishandwildlife.com/waterfowl_info.htm.