There are currently 31 states containing steel shot zones of some kind. The national trend, except in the Pacific Flyway, has been to expand the number and geographical area of nontoxic shot zones, and to increase the use of non-toxic shot within such zones. Since 1976 steel shot regulations have been involved in five separate court litigations. In all five cases the courts have upheld the steel shot regulations in question. Commercial steel shotshell offerings have expanded greatly since 1981, but no pellet size smaller than No.4 is, as yet, being loaded. Steel loads are now available in 10, 12, and 20 gauge shells. The Cooperative Lead Poisoning Control Information Program has been formed in response to the current U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service position of decreased involvement in non-toxic shot matters. Currently 26 states and two private corporations belong as contributing cooperators.
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