MD HB1067

Department of Natural Resources must require nonlead ammunition for hunting all game species by July 1, 2029, with a phased implementation starting July 1, 2027 for pen-raised birds, then upland game birds, webless migratory birds, and wild turkey by July 1, 2028

Nonlead ammunition is defined as containing less than 1% lead content or any federally approved nontoxic ammunition

Lead ammunition remains permitted for muzzleloaders, handguns, rifles, and shotguns when nonlead ammunition is not commercially available for the specific firearm

The bill cites the 1991 federal waterfowl lead ammunition ban as saving over 1.4 million ducks annually from lead poisoning, and notes over 50,000 deer are killed by firearms annually in Maryland with meat consumed by hunters and donated to food banks

Act takes effect July 1, 2026