Hunting News

Non-lead ammunition required July 1

Non-lead ammunition required July 1

By California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife

Starting July 1, 2015, non-lead ammunition will be required when hunting on all California Department of Fish and Wildlife lands, and for all Nelson bighorn sheep hunts anywhere in the state.

Hunters who plan to hunt bighorn sheep at any CDFW wildlife area or ecological reserve where hunting is allowed on or after July 1, 2015, are advised to acquire non-lead ammunition well ahead of their hunt. Hunters are also encouraged to practice shooting non-lead ammunition to make sure firearms are sighted-in properly and shoot accurately with non-lead ammunition. Non-lead ammunition for some firearm calibers may be in short supply so hunters should plan accordingly.

Further phase-out of lead ammunition for hunting in California will continue on July 1, 2016, when non-lead ammunition will be required when hunting with shotguns for upland game birds (except for dove, quail and snipe), small game mammals, fur-bearing mammals and nongame birds except for when hunting at licensed game bird clubs.

Non-lead ammunition will also be required when taking wildlife with shotguns for depredation purposes anywhere in the state.

Starting July 1, 2019, hunters must use non-lead ammunition when taking any animal anywhere in the state for any purpose.

Lead ammunition may still be used for target shooting. Existing restrictions on the use of lead ammunition in the California condor range remain in effect while implementation proceeds.

Hunting is not allowed at all CDFW wildlife areas and ecological reserves. For those areas where hunting is allowed, non-lead ammunition will be required starting July 1, 2015. Hunters are reminded to be familiar with all hunting regulations before going into the field.

More information on the phase-out of lead ammunition for hunting in California can be found at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/Nonlead-Ammunition.

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