A comparison of lead-based and lead-free bullets for shooting sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) in Australia

Context In response to the toxic health threats posed by lead (Pb), there is currently a focus on transitioning lead-free bullets for shooting wild animals.Aim We aimed quantify killing efficiency and animal welfare outcomes of lead-based (copper-based) ground-based sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) in Victoria, south-eastern Australia.Methods used shooter-collected data from recreational diurnal hunting professional nocturnal culling during 2020–2021. Shooters recorded rifle calibre, cartridge type, bullet mass, (miss, wound or kill), distance, flight distance (the between where was shot it died) as an assumed positive correlate time incapacitation, anatomical zones struck bullets, frequency exit wounds. our variable, assuming that positively correlated with incapacitation. To examine role several predictor variables (including type) potentially influencing dataset reduced those killed single thoracic shot.Key results Our captured events involving 276 deer, 124 at 152 copper-based bullets. Most (87%) were shot. The non-fatal wounding <4% both types no distinct difference probability kill either type. For (n=198), evidence energy influenced distance. After accounting differences terminal kinetic energy, mean (35m) 56% greater than (22m).Conclusions Lead-based produced similar deer.Implications A transition ammunition would have minimal impact outcomes.