In Estonia, the use of lead shot in wetlands was banned in February 2023. However, lead is still used elsewhere in hunting. Lead is a dangerous heavy metal for both animals and humans because it does not decompose in the body.
Lead bullets are dangerous to waterfowl because birds mistake them for small pebbles and swallow them. Lead causes poisoning in birds. In Estonia, about 150 white-tailed eagles die annually due to lead.
Madis Leivits, a veterinarian at the University of Life Sciences, said that lead poisoning is the cause of more than half of eagle deaths. He believes that lead-free ammunition would help reduce eagle mortality.
Leivits added that humans also consume the meat of animals killed with lead bullets. Lead causes cognitive, memory, and learning difficulties in humans. He recommends that lead should be completely banned in hunting.
Marko Vinni, an advisor to the Estonian Hunters' Association, said that hunters understand the seriousness of the situation. Alternative ammunition exists, but its availability is limited. In Europe, only 10% of all ammunition produced is lead-free.
According to Farištamo Eller, a member of MTÜ Loomus, lead should be completely banned as ammunition. He believes the ban should come from Europe, and then Estonia would follow.
The European Commission discussed banning lead shot in October. The Commission proposes an 18-month transition period during which hunters should switch to lead-free cartridges.