Cape Cod Times Even though the use of lead shot for hunting waterfowl was banned in 1991, wildlife hospitals on Cape Cod continue to see 50-70 cases of lead poisoning a year. Most of these tend to be waterfowl, such as swans, ducks and geese. Lead poisoning in waterfowl is an issue with a long history, not just in the Cape area, but nationwide. Wild Care Cape Cod in Eastham receives and treats 10-20 patients per year, while the Cape Wildlife Center in Barnstable, a branch of New England Wildlife Centers, cares for around 50. There are probably thousands more with levels of lead in ...