Hunting Upland Birds and Waterfowl at the Same Time

November 8, 2012

Question: If I’m in the field upland bird hunting and a flock of ducks/geese fly overhead, am I allowed to shoot those birds, too? (Robert G.)

Answer: Yes, but only if the season for waterfowl is open in the area, if you have the required state and federal waterfowl stamps affixed to your license, AND you only have steel or other non-toxic shot in your possession.

This reminds me of something me and my son were thinking the other day. We have a place that we turkey hunt in the fall and also can shoot waterfowl. Its a long hike in so i wouldnt want to go back and forth to the truck. If i took one or two turkey shells and turkey hunted first once i had discharged those i could swap chokes and duck hunt and i would no longer be in possesion of lead shells. I may be in possession of empty turkey shells however or maybe even a turkey with lead/plated bbs in it. Legal or not legal to duck hunt at that point?

MontanaN8V and I hunt a few areas where we just use steel for upland just in case. We have shot a few ducks while quail hunting. Although, we usually don't hunt turkey in that area. They are there though, and if in range I would drop one with 7's or 8's in steel.