Spoon River NAVHDA Chapter

Hi everyone,

I've posted a few issues here concerning the use of non-toxic shot as I've been trying to find some good alternatives to steel. In this process, I reread the Illinois hunting and trapping regulations and found that even when taking pen-raised mallards, one must only use non-toxic shot. When I asked a local officer for clarification, I was told that even when training my dog, if I have ducks present, I can only have non-toxic shot in my possession. I would be subject to fine for each lead shell in my possession. If correct, this means that anytime we are training with or transporting ducks, we cannot have any toxic shells on our person, vehicle, etc. Is this correct? Do any of you have any experience or clarification for me in this matter? As most of the places I hunt don't require non-toxic shot, this is all new to me. Thanks everyone.

Fred

My understanding of the law (and I am not a lawyer or legal scholar) is that you do have to use non-toxic even when using pen-reared waterfowl for training.  Most likely based on the assumption that wild waterfowl may use the same waters which training is conducted in, and thus, the wild birds may still injest lead shot.  When we do our duck search test in the NAVHDA UT there has to be steel (or other non-toxic) shells available in case the dog finds the duck but cannot catch it so the duck can be shot for a retrieve.  The cheapest way to go on this is buy 2-3/4" steel shot shells.

The requirement for non-toxic even if pen-reared waterfowl is present is news to me and I would say over-reaching the intent of the law (but again-not a lawyer or legal scholar).  If we have pheasant or quail or chuckar or pigeons for training and are in the field, and also have ducks in the crate to be used at another site, lead shot should not be an issue in my mind. 

Thanks Adam. I appreciate your reply. Would love to talk with you more about this.

Im not doubting the officer you talked to........but he may be a little far fetched on his interpretation of the rules and regulations???

We should absolutely look into this and make sure we are all abiding the rules. I always make sure I am shooting steel shot when training at a waterfowl area, but I can not say I do not have lead in posession in the truck, vest, etc. when training at dons pond.

We should consider having an officer stop by for our annual chapter meeting for question and answering just to clarify the training guidelines, bird use, tagging requirements, etc. just so we all have a better understanding. Having more people at the table would help cover all the bases.

Good idea, John, on inviting a CPO to the meeting.  Or if they can't make it, submit some questions in writing to get answered.  I think we all need clarification on this. 

We need to decide when are where we are going to hold the annual meeting and get thing scheduled.