ENVIRONMENT - Washington is taking another step today in giving lead the boot in the state's hunting and fishing circles.

Although pheasant releases won't resume until next fall in Eastern Washington, hunters technically will be required to use nontoxic shot at the specified pheasant release sites starting today.

The nontoxic shot rule that's been in effect at refuges and release sites for several years in Western Washington was set to phase in to the East Side in 2011.

The boundaries of those nontoxic shot zones have not yet been defined, said Madonna Luers, Fish and Wildlife Department spokeswoman.

Last month, the state Fish and Wildlife Commission unanimously approved rules restricting lead fishing tackle at 13 northern Washington lakes frequented by nesting common loons.

It was a federal rule that banned lead shot for use in waterfowl hunting starting in 1986.

 

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