Effectiveness of an assurance scheme for wild‐shot game meat products in promoting a voluntary transition from the use of lead to non‐lead ammunition for hunting

A consensus has emerged in the United Kingdom that a transition away from use of lead ammunition for hunting game animals would be desirable to reduce harm causes wildlife and market healthy meat products. Voluntary methods achieve this are preferred by hunters' organisations UK Government, though statutory regulation is also being considered. include provision advice hunters their non-governmental moves trade switch supplying only wild-shot products killed using non-lead ammunition. In paper, I address effectiveness practical implementation widely promoted product assurance scheme asking commercial stockists listed on scheme's website about demand lead-free game, current labelling usefulness register shoots helping them source shot Responses were received 39 stockists. Few respondents considered there currently significant products, more than one-third thought future growth was probable. sell labelled as lead-free. Only one respondent had found useful several unaware its existence. Based evidence review progress with other voluntary initiatives, conclude substantial improvements needed if benefits achieved without regulation.