• Extremely Effective: When copper bullets first hit the market, hunters were concerned they would be lighter and less dense, proving less effective than lead bullets of the same shape and size. After years of development, today’s copper bullets are available in a large array of calibers, weights, and designs that meet or exceed the performance of their lead counterparts. 
  
  Photo: A before and "after the shot" photo of a copper bullet; the bullet to the right shows the bullet expanded and held together as a single unit, retained its weight for deeper penetration, and provided maximum energy transfer. Photo by huntingwithnonlead.org
  
  
• At a Comparable Cost: Non-lead bullets are similarly priced to other modern premium ammunition choices.
  
  
• Better for the Environment and Wildlife, Especially Avian Scavengers: When eagles consume lead, it only takes a small fragment, about the size of a grain of rice, to become toxic and often lethal. Eagles have the potential to consume lead fragments while scavenging gut piles or parts of animal carcasses left behind of the landscape.

Hide Remains from Above

Hide gut piles and carcasses under the thick cover of conifers. This method requires minimal effort and focuses on reducing the risk to the most susceptible species, avian scavengers, who fly above in search of their next meal.

Reminder: You do need landowner permission to cut branches of a tree.

Dig a Hole

Consider going one step further to eliminate visual location and direct access by burying your gut pile and carcass in a shallow hole beneath conifers. Just be sure you have permission from the landowner if you aren't on your own property.

Leave No Trace

The last, and most effective option is to leave no trace. Consider carrying the remains of your gut pile and carcass out with you, leaving nothing behind for any scavengers to find. If you choose this option, you can use a trash bag and dispose of the carcass in a certified landfill.