Steel Shot Regulations by State — Where to Find Them?

State-by-State Steel Shot Regulations

To find steel shot regulations by state, start by visiting the website of the state wildlife agency that manages the area you plan to hunt in. In the United States, this agency is typically the Department of Wildlife Resources, the Fish and Wildlife Service, or the Department of Natural Resources. For example, in California, you can visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website and click on the “Hunting” tab to access information on steel shot regulations.

Load Requirements and Exceptions

When searching for steel shot regulations, you’ll also want to pay attention to the specific load requirements and any exceptions that may apply. For instance, some states may only allow non-toxic shot loads (including steel) for waterfowl hunting, while others may also require non-toxic shot for upland game bird hunting. In general, steel shot loads must meet specific standards set by the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (IAFWA), which includes a minimum velocity of 1,375 feet per second and a minimum steel shot size of 2.5 mm.

Online Resources and Apps

To make it easier to find steel shot regulations, many state wildlife agencies and hunting organizations offer online resources and mobile apps. For example, the IAWA website (iawa.net) provides a directory of state wildlife agencies and their non-toxic shot regulations. Additionally, mobile apps like HuntStand and OnX Maps offer hunting regulation information, including steel shot regulations, for many states and public lands.