Hunters have an opportunity
for hands-on conservation.
for hands-on conservation.
The Challenge
It has come to light through extensive study that lead fragments unintentionally left in gut piles by hunters is a source of lead poisoning for scavengers and other wildlife, especially eagles.
The Opportunity
Hunters can reduce unintended ingestion of lead by wildlife by voluntarily using lead-free ammunition to hunt big game. For this effort, we are offering eligible South Dakota hunters a one box of factory loaded lead-free ammunition or one box of lead-free bullets for reloading.
Who is Eligible?
If you hold a qualifying 2026 limited-quota license in a South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks hunt unit that this pilot program is targeting, you are eligible to receive one free box of lead-free ammunition.
Qualifying 2026 hunt units for deer, any elk, antlerless elk, and antelope are shown below. These hunt units’ outlines could change for 2026.
Unit data courtesy of South Dakaota Game, Fish and Parks
If you have any questions, please contact us at contact@HuntLeadFreeSD.org.