Effect of a joint policy statement by nine UK shooting and rural organisations on the use of lead shotgun ammunition for hunting common pheasants Phasianus colchicus in Britain

There are significant negative effects of exposure to spent lead ammunition on wildlife and human health. A joint statement was issued by nine UK shooting rural organisations 24th February 2020 intended encourage a voluntary transition non-lead shotgun within five years “in consideration wildlife, the environment ensure market for healthiest game products”. We dissected carcasses wild-shot common pheasants Phasianus colchicus sold or offered consumption in Britain season between 1st October 2021 recover pellets. The principal metallic element composing one pellet from each bird identified using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. results showed that 99% 180 which pellets were recovered had been killed ammunition, compared with 100% much smaller study conducted 2008/2009 season. conclude organisations’ statement, their subsequent promotional actions, have not yet detectable effect types used shooters supplying British market.