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Joined: 19 Apr 2018 Posts: 25

Here in Illinois they have made use switch to no-tox! I asked a DNR department head how a warden was going to check reloads for bismuth. His answer was they would ask you if it was and take your word! The only ways I have of telling is by weighing the same number of 5s of both lead and bismuth. Another way was crushing,lead just flattens evenly but bismuth has fractures around the edge.

I thought there was a device called a "Hot Shot" they used in Fl.
Not 100% sure, though..

I make custom waterfowl loads from new, unmarked components. To answer the question of what's inside, I carry a label from the non-toxic shot (ITX or Bismuth) a zip-lock bag and a 3M lead test stick. When asked, I tell them what's in it and offer the test kit for them to pop the crimp on any one they like, dump and test it. I ask they be careful not to spill any $$$. Been checked multiple times, but so far, none have been opened.

Do not use shells that were ever loaded with lead. The 3M kits have 'found' the traces left in the hull.

duckdup,
That's a good idea, if I want to check some loads, I'm buying from someone, I don't know well.
But I'm not providing the State with didly, to do their job.
I do enough of that, in lisence fees and sales tax.
I love the guys and gals on the line, I'll always have their back, as long as their within the law, and I always offer a cold drink and respectful conversation, but none of the 90 I'm given to use ....
And the tip on not using shells, previously loaded with lead is a great tip as well.

Pronghornsouth, total respect! I just figure $1.95 test in my pocket may avoid a long interruption of a hunt while all my unmarked shells take a trip to the state lab.
A test kit and a bottle of G2 or cup-o-joe and you might make a new best friend who knows where the birds are...

Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 287 Location: missouri

Joined: 24 Jul 2016 Posts: 548 Location: Ohio

Never had them check a shell.License,stamps and magazine capacity,and birds in the bag that's it.

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2346 Location: West MI

1st trip to Standing Rock , we were stopped by a GO . He had a gizmo that could tell him what WAS IN THE SHELL . Never thought to ask if residue would show up - would be pretty miniscule maybe .

Non-toxic field test information from USF&W site includes the “HOT*SHOT” field testing device from Stream Systems of Concord, CA. It also lists methods for testing other types...

https://www.fws.gov/birds/bird-enthusiasts/hunting/nontoxic.php

Check it out...

https://www.streamsystems.com/stream_website/hotshot/more_info/hotshot.htm

Joined: 24 Jul 2016 Posts: 548 Location: Ohio

Do believe that next waterfowl season I will carry a zip lock bag with a copy of my hunting and drivers licenses inside. If a officer wants a shell he can have whichever one he picks to test,just gimme a receipt.