Migratory Bird Hunting; Final Approval of Tungsten-Iron and Tungsten-Polymer Shots and Temporary Approval of Tungsten-Matrix and Tin Shots as Nontoxic for Hunting Waterfowl and Coots

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) amends Section 20.21(j) to grant final approval of tungsten-iron and tungsten- polymer shots as nontoxic for hunting waterfowl and coots. We also grant temporary approval of tungsten-matrix and tin shots as nontoxic for hunting waterfowl and coots during the 1999-2000 hunting season only. Acute toxicity studies reveal no adverse effects over a 30-day period on mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) dosed with either tungsten- iron, tungsten-polymer, tungsten-matrix, or tin shot. Reproductive/ chronic toxicity testing over a 150-day period indicated that tungsten- iron and tungsten-polymer administered to adult mallards did not adversely affect them or the offspring they produced. We will not consider final approval of tungsten-matrix and tin shots until all required reproductive/chronic toxicity tests are successfully completed and the results are received and approved by the Director. Tungsten- iron and tungsten-polymer shots are produced by Federal Cartridge Company (Federal) of Anoka, Minnesota. Tungsten-matrix shot is produced by Kent Cartridge Company (Kent) of Kearneysville, West Virginia. Tin shot is produced by the International Tin Research Institute (ITRI) of Uxbridge, Middlesex, Great Britain.