Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Thursday, July 24, 2008

DNR tests bullets to prevent lead contamination

FOREST LAKE, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has been testing different kinds of bullets as part of an effort to prevent lead from getting into venison.

The DNR used dead sheep Tuesday to study the fragmentation of lead bullets near Forest Lake. The testing is being done ahead of this fall's deer season.

Officials have used 75 sheep carcasses in the unique study.

A program that allows deer hunters to donate venison to Minnesota food shelves will resume this fall. Last year, the Department of Agriculture ordered 12,000 pounds of venison to be destroyed after tests showed lead particles in a venison burger.

DNR officials hope the testing now will help them give hunters guidance on what kinds of bullets pose the least risk of lead contamination.

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