Maine Firearm Hunter Safety Course Practice Exam

How can lead exposure be reduced when processing game?

1. By using copper bullets

2. Wearing gloves and using proper butchering techniques

3. Cooking meat at high temperatures

4. Avoiding eating the meat

The correct answer is: Wearing gloves and using proper butchering techniques

When processing game, lead exposure can be reduced by wearing gloves and using proper butchering techniques, which is why option B is correct. By wearing gloves, hunters can prevent the direct contact of lead residue from ammunition with their skin. Proper butchering techniques help minimize the spread of lead contamination from the bullet track in the animal. Option A is not the best choice because the type of bullet used does not directly address the issue of lead exposure during game processing. Copper bullets are an alternative to lead bullets, but the focus here is on handling the game during processing to reduce exposure. Option C is not the most effective way to reduce lead exposure when processing game. While cooking meat thoroughly is important for food safety, it does not specifically target the issue of lead contamination from bullets in game meat. Option D is not a practical solution as it suggests avoiding eating the meat altogether, which may not be necessary if proper precautions are taken during processing to reduce lead exposure.