SGA launches survey on copper bullet usage as lead ban looms

› As lead ammunition faces a potential three-year phase-out, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) has launched a survey to gain more data on alternatives.
Last December, the UK Health and Safety Executive published its position that lead ammunition should be phased out in the UK.
The British Government must now decide whether to act on the Executive’s recommendations in full or make other provisions.
The survey was launched after the SGA became aware of animal welfare concerns within the deer management sector regarding a full transition to copper ammunition.
Six-time and current UK Pro Stalker of the Year, Chris Dalton, told GM: “I welcome the survey announced by the SGA, looking at the use of copper ammunition at night by forestry contractors, as the move to end the use of lead ammunition for deer control looms. Shooting deer at night, with either thermal or IR scopes, is a totally different proposition with more complex challenges than those faced stalking during daylight. I have had many comments from FLS staff tasked with night shooting—almost all express disquiet at the move away from lead.”