Examining Variability Associated with Bullet Fragmentation and Deposition in White-tailed Deer and Domestic Sheep

Lead (Pb) is a toxic metal and is a primary material in most bullets used to hunt white-tailed deer. We conducted a study to examine bullet fragmentation patterns and to assess lead levels in deer and domestic sheep using different types of bullets and firearms. The firearms we tested included a centerfire rifle, a shotgun, and an inline muzzleloader. For the centerfire rifle, we used lead bullets that were designed to expand rapidly upon impact and were frequently described by manufacturers for hunting mid-sized game such as deer. We also tested lead bullets that were designed to retain a high percentage of their bullet weight, and non-lead (Copper [Cu]) bullets. For the muzzleloader, we chose two bullets that represented common types used during Minnesota’s hunting seasons. For the shotgun, we chose the 1-ounce Foster slug, which is commonly used throughout the shotgun-only zone.