Content created and posted by the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife

Lead-Free Hunting Takes Effect Statewide July 1

CDFW wants to remind hunters that beginning July 1, 2019, nonlead ammunition will be required when taking any wildlife with a firearm anywhere in California.

We strongly recommend that hunters acquire and practice with nonlead ammunition well before heading afield, particularly in advance of upcoming big game seasons, to make sure rifles are sighted in and to understand how their firearms perform with nonlead ammunition.

The nonlead ammo requirement includes hunting on public land, private property and licensed game bird clubs, and applies to rifles, shotguns, pistols and muzzleloaders in any gauge or caliber for the take of any legal species. The nonlead ammo requirement extends to the legal take of nongame birds and mammals and includes firearms used for depredation to take species causing property damage.

The requirement does not apply to hunting with pellet rifles. Since pellet rifles are not classified as firearms, the use of lead pellets is allowed. Lead ammunition is allowed for target shooting where that activity is permitted.

The first California hunting seasons impacted by the lead ammunition ban include the general rabbit season, which opens statewide July 1, and the A Zone general deer season, which opens Aug. 10 along much of the California coast.

CDFW advises hunters to shop carefully when purchasing nonlead hunting ammunition, particularly from out-of-state-based sporting goods stores and other mass retailers that may stock their California outlets with lead hunting ammunition in advance of upcoming seasons.

All ammunition in a hunter’s possession may be inspected by wildlife officers. Hunters are encouraged to assist in confirming compliance by retaining and carrying in the field ammunition boxes or other packaging.

For more information, please visit CDFW’s Nonlead Ammunition in California webpage at www.wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/nonlead-ammunition. For in-depth research and ballistics analysis of nonlead hunting ammunition, please visit www.huntingwithnonlead.org/index.html.

As a hunter, you provide an important source of management and protection of the state’s wildlife habitat. Purchasing a hunting license and tags also supports California’s long-standing hunting heritage for today and future generations.

Thank you for hunting in California