Cleaner Technology Projects in Denmark 1996
Woodshot – Development of Lead-Free Shot for Hunting
Woodshot
Arbejdsrapport nr. 77, 1996, Miljøstyrelsen
The use of lead shot for hunting has been prohibited in Denmark since April 1993. Hunts in woodland using lead shot obtained a dispensation to continue using lead shot until April 1996, so that a type of shot could be developed which, in the same manner as lead, would not cause damage to the processing machines used by the forestry industry. Examinations as far back as 1985 indicated that steel shot damages the processing machines used by the forestry industry.
In April 1994, a steering committee and a working group were set up. The members of these groups are indicated under point 1.0. The Danish Environmental protection Agency granted the sum of DKK 2.11 million for completion of the project entitled "WOODSHOT". The project was completed on the 1st of January 1996.
In this project, a number of specifications were set up for shot which now can form the basis for future qualification requirements for shot.
Quality requirements for shot for hunting in woodland can be divided into four categories:
 | A. The environment A1. The outer environment A2. Food (poison, smell, taste) A3. Animals (sickness, poisoning) A4. Animals (does not splinter) |
| B. Hunting and hunters B 1. Ballistics B2. Form stability B3. Specific gravity B4. Damage to gun barrel B5. Price B6. Strategically sensitive material |
| C. Value and properties of the timber C1. Veneering properties C2. Discoloration |
| D. Fabrication D 1. Work environment D 2. Production technique D 3. Storage problems |
The types of shot examined during the project can be divided into three groups:
| Metallic |
| Plastic-bound metal particles |
| Chemical-bound metal particles |
In the course of this project, approximately 17 usable types of shot were developed, within the three material groups. Amongst these 17 combinations, the steering committee and the working group selected three types, on which further work has been carried out.
An environmental evaluation has been carried out on the selected types of shot, and these were found to be satisfactory. The fabrication technique has been thoroughly tested and likewise found to be satisfactory, and this is also the case with the work environment.
A veneering test and a processing test have been carried out in a fast outer, and all the types of shot were approved.
The various types of shot have been approved during individual shooting experiments into a gel, in which shoulder plaids from pigs were imbedded (the gel has the same consistency as muscle texture). None of the shot splintered.
Form stability, ballistics and damage to the gun barrel have been tested and found to be satisfactory.
The price has been accepted by the steering committee as being suitable.
Finally, two hunts took place (ducks and pheasants, respectively) in order to test the cartridges under practical conditions. These showed that one of the shot types was acceptable in its present form, but further refining of the shot and cartridge is recommended.
In addition one more of the three selected types would appear to be promising after further development.
Author/ institution
Marianne Schmidt og Ole Kræmer, Dansk Teknologisk Institut. Industriel Metallurgi
This report is subsidised by the National Council for Recycling and Cleaner Technology.
ISSN no. 0908-9195
ISBN no. 87-7810-714-8