Use of lead shot for hunting was banned under legislation on 26 Ramsar sites in Denmark from 1986, based on evidence of poisoning in waterbirds ingesting lead shot and high lead shot pellet densities in Danish wetland sediments caused by intensive hunting. To assess the fate of lead shot from hunting prior to 1986 and the degree to which such shot remains available to waterbirds, this study replicated the survey of shot pellet densities in substrates in Ringkøbing Fjord undertaken in the late 1970s. 287 shotgun pellets (282 lead, five steel) were recovered from 123 sediment samples at four locations, equivalent to a mean of 127 pellets m−2 in the top 20 cm of the sediment at the four locations, in certain hot spots equating to >250 kg lead ha−1, broadly similar to densities found in the 1970s. Possible explanations were given for the persistence of such high lead shot densities despite >30 years of regulation, during which time steel shot has been widely used as the alternative to lead. Field experiments showed that steel shot corroded in the marine environment, which likely contributes to lower steel shot densities found in this study. It is concluded that lead gunshot pellet dispersal and accumulation in natural ecosystems remains as a persistent and irreversible hazard to wildlife and ecosystems. Based on these Danish experiences, it is urgently recommended that international and national bodies in countries where hunting with lead shot continues recognise these results and act to prevent the accumulation of this toxic metal. Display omitted •Lead shot was banned over Danish wetlands in 1986 to reduce poisoning of waterbirds.•Lead shot accessible to birds in resampled wetlands did not differ in 2019 to late 1970s.•Low settlement and corrosion rates of shot pellets explain pellet persistence in soils.•Replacement non-toxic steel shotgun pellets corrode and disappear.•Accumulated lead shot creates an enduring global toxic legacy.