The Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) shares an interest with sportsmen and sportswomen in preserving a clean and healthy environment. Gun clubs across the state are comprised of thousands of acres of valuable open space. As stewards of this land, gun clubs must act to responsibly manage lead shot. MassDEP's objective is to promote better management of lead shot at active clubs in an effort to minimize potential impacts to the environment.

For more than two years, MassDEP, the Gun Owners' Action League, the Massachusetts Sportsmen's Council, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and other concerned sportsmen and sportswomen have been working together to develop an effective and practical lead shot management program for shooting sports clubs in Massachusetts. This program, referred to as the Massachusetts Lead Shot Initiative, assists clubs in implementing measures at their ranges to better manage lead shot. By implementing better lead shot management practices, a club protects the environment at and surrounding its ranges, as well as preserves the environmental quality of valuable open space.

The Lead Shot Initiative representatives provide assistance by visiting clubs to observe current range operations and meet with club officials to discuss lead shot management options that are best-suited to their ranges.

  

Gun club members review designs for a drop zone that will facilitate lead recovery.

To gain a better understanding of how lead shot is currently managed across the state, MassDEP is visiting rod and gun clubs across Massachusetts.

Gun club members, NSSF, and MassDEP staff inspect a shot curtain.

Lead shot accumulation on the ground at a southeastern Massachusetts rod and gun club.

A Clearer Picture of how lead shot is managed will enable MassDEP to work with range managers to:

Contacts

Please contact MassDEP's Lead Shot Initiative or the Gun Owners' Action League representatives if you would like to learn more about the program or arrange for a visit of your club's ranges:

Daniel Gilmore, Southeast Region, 508-946-2808
Joseph Laughton, Central Region, 508-849-4018
John Keating, Northeast Region, 978-661-7631
Thomas Keefe, Western Region, 413-755-2117

Gun Owners' Action League, 508-393-5333

Available Guidance on Environmental Management of Ranges

National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), 203-426-1320, Environmental Aspects of Construction and Management of Outdoor Shooting Ranges

Web site 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Best Management Practices for Lead at Outdoor Shooting Ranges

Web site