Ammunition: Rules and Regulations

These rules and regulations apply to all hunters using ammunition.

• Waterfowl hunters must use non-toxic ammunition only. Lead shot is not legal for waterfowl hunting. Some state and federal lands may require non-toxic shot for upland birds. Violations of non-toxic shot rules incur a special $1,000 criminal penalty and suspension of small game hunting privileges.
• Shotguns used for upland bird and waterfowl hunting may not hold more than three shotshells. Such guns must be plugged.
• Shotguns used for deer and bear hunting must use slugs or #1 or larger buckshot. Neither 28-gauge nor .410 shotguns are legal for deer and/or bear hunting. Other big game may be hunted with 10-gauge or 12-gauge shotguns using slugs.
• Forest grouse may not be hunted with centerfire rifle or handgun ammunition .24 or larger or with shotguns containing slugs or buckshot during modern firearm deer or elk seasons unless appropriate deer or elk tags are on the hunter’s person.