Migratory Bird Hunting; Extension of Temporary Approval of Tungsten-Iron Shot as Nontoxic for the 1998-99 Season

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) amends Section 20.21(j) to grant temporary approval of tungsten-iron shot as nontoxic for the 1998-99 migratory bird hunting season, except in the Yukon- Kuskokwim (Y-K) Delta region, Alaska. The Service had previously granted temporary approval of tungsten-iron shot as nontoxic for the 1997-98 season. The toxicological report, which is an extensive literature search and analysis of tungsten and tungsten-iron, suggests that these compounds are nontoxic under assumed use and in the environment. Analysis of the toxicity study reveal no adverse effects over a 30-day period when dosing mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) with 8 BB size tungsten-iron shot.