Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites

Warning to ALL California Hunters: Phase 1 of the Statewide Lead Ammunition Ban Goes into Effect on July 1

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Warning to ALL California Hunters: Phase 1 of the Statewide Lead Ammunition Ban Goes into Effect on July 1

A set of laws adopted in 2013 known as “AB 711” drastically expanded California’s restrictions on lead ammunition for hunters.   For years it has been illegal to use centerfire rifle or pistol ammunition that has not been certified as lead-free, or to possess such ammunition along with a firearm capable of firing it, when taking certain animals within the “California condor zone.”  AB 711 furthers those restrictions to include all ammunition when taking any wildlife throughout the entire state. It does not do so immediately, however.  It requires that the California Fish and Game Commission adopt regulations that implement the expanded lead ammunition ban by July 1, 2019, or sooner if “practical.”

Despite the NRA and the California Rifle and Pistol Association submitting a joint letter to the Commission urging that implementation of any regulations adopted be postponed until the July 1, 2019 legislative deadline — due to the current commercial unavailability of alternative ammunition, among other reasons—the Commission nevertheless voted unanimously to adopt regulations, some of which take effect immediately.  Hunters in California now need to be aware of when the phased implementation of the regulations will affect them.

Beginning July 1, 2015, Phase 1 of AB 711 requires the use of ammunition that has been certified as non-lead by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife when taking: (1) Nelson bighorn sheep anywhere within the state; and (2) all wildlife within a wildlife area or an ecological reserve.  It also prohibits the possession of any ammunition that is not certified as non-lead if possessed with a firearm capable of firing it.  These new restrictions equally apply inside the “California condor range,” meaning that even if the species you are pursuing was not previously subject to the lead ammunition restrictions (e.g., rabbits), it is now for hunting in a wildlife area or ecological reserve located within the range because Phase 1 applies to all hunting in those locations.  The Department has issued its own public announcement about the July 1 change in law.    

 

Targeted Species Affected Most Immediately: Coyote, Pig, Cottontail Rabbits, & Deer

Coyotes                      No season

Wild Pig                      No season

Cottontail Rabbits       July 1

Deer (limited zones)   Season opens in limited zones July 24

 

On a positive note, AB 711 provides that the possession of concealable firearms (handguns) containing lead ammunition is lawful, so long as the firearm is possessed for the sole purpose of “personal protection” and is not used to take wildlife.

However, it is important to note that this “personal protection” exception does not fully apply within the “California condor range,” (shown in map below) until July 1, 2019. Prior to that date, there is no self-defense exception within the “California condor range” when pursuing big game (defined as deer, antelope, pigs/boar, bear and Nelson bighorn sheep), coyote, nongame birds, or nongame mammals, even if within a wildlife area or ecological reserve.

The California Department of Fish & Wildlife has created an information page that explains, among other things, where the affected areas are located.  Be sure to check with the CDFW or your local law enforcement to determine what requirements or limitations are in place in your area and apply to the taking of a specific species.  It may also be prudent to invest in a GPS or navigation device as many of these boundaries are not physically marked.

If you have questions about how to comply with AB 711, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife: 

1416 9th Street, 12th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Tel: (916) 445-0411
Email: [email protected]

 

Craig Stowers
CDFW Wildlife Branch
(916) 445-3553
Email: [email protected]
271 E. Imperial Highway; Suite 620

 

 More Information

The NRA and CRPA have been at the forefront of the fight to protect traditional ammunition in California for years and achieved important successes prior to the passage of AB 711.  Despite this setback, the NRA and CRPA are not giving up on protecting their members who hunt in California from the lead ammunition ban.  They will continue to monitor its implementation and enforcement to make sure hunters are treated fairly and according to the law. Additionally, NRA and CRPA will be publishing a free guide explaining how to comply with California’s lead ammo restrictions in the coming days.

If you need to speak to someone regarding AB 711 affecting you personally (e.g., cited or arrested), please contact California Rifle & Pistol Association (but contact DFW for general questions):

 Fullerton, CA 92835
Tel: (800) 305-2772
Email: [email protected]

 

Help Us Help You

Please help us fight for your right to choose to own a gun for sport, or to defend yourself and your family. The NRAand CRPA work together in California to fight for you in Sacramento, in cities and counties across the state, in regulatory agencies, and in the courts.   You can support our pro-Second Amendment efforts by donating to NRA-ILA or NRA Legal Action Project.  

The NRA and CRPA national team of highly regarded civil rights attorneys, legislative advocates, and scholars has the experience, resources, skill and expertise needed to maximize the potential for victory in California’s often hostile political environments.

For a summary of current and recent actions the NRA and CRPA have taken on behalf of California gun owners, click here.  To read about some of the past actions NRA and CRPA have taken in the fight for your Second Amendment rights in California click here.

TRENDING NOW
U.S. House Passes Reconciliation Bill, Removing Suppressors from the National Firearms Act

News  

Second Amendment  

Thursday, May 22, 2025

U.S. House Passes Reconciliation Bill, Removing Suppressors from the National Firearms Act

Earlier today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R.1 the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included Section 2 of the Hearing Protection Act, completely removing suppressors from the National Firearms Act (NFA).

Gun Law Effective Dates: It’s Not Just What but When that Counts

News  

Monday, June 16, 2025

Gun Law Effective Dates: It’s Not Just What but When that Counts

The gun owning community is often saddled with a larger responsibility than most in knowing the many laws that govern gun ownership throughout the states.

Intrepid Journalist Tracks Down Truth About “Children” and Firearms, While Public Health Researchers Downplay Inconvenient Realities

News  

Monday, June 16, 2025

Intrepid Journalist Tracks Down Truth About “Children” and Firearms, While Public Health Researchers Downplay Inconvenient Realities

For decades, gun control advocates and their allies in “public health” have pushed a misleading factoid about children and firearms.

Hogg Gone from DNC

News  

Monday, June 16, 2025

Hogg Gone from DNC

Gun prohibition activist David Hogg’s time in leadership with the Democratic National Committee (DNC) has come to an end.

Senate Finance Committee Releases Text of Reconciliation Bill

News  

Monday, June 16, 2025

Senate Finance Committee Releases Text of Reconciliation Bill

Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance released its portion of the Senate version of the Reconciliation Bill. Late last month, the U.S. House passed a version of the Reconciliation Bill which included Section 2 of the ...

Gun-Control Window Dressing: Chicago Inspector-General Calls Out Futility of Gun Offender Registry

News  

Monday, June 16, 2025

Gun-Control Window Dressing: Chicago Inspector-General Calls Out Futility of Gun Offender Registry

Fifteen years ago, the City of Chicago adopted a “gun offender registry” ordinance that requires convicted gun offenders to register with the police and have police monitor anyone listed in the registry. 

Minnesota: Removal of Shotgun-Only Hunting Zones Added to Environmental Omnibus Bill

Friday, June 6, 2025

Minnesota: Removal of Shotgun-Only Hunting Zones Added to Environmental Omnibus Bill

This week outside of regular session, the Environment Omnibus bill was agreed upon. This omnibus bill would remove shotgun-only hunting zones in the state. A special session has been scheduled for Monday, June 9th, for the ...

North Carolina: Permitless Carry Bill Headed to Governor Stein

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

North Carolina: Permitless Carry Bill Headed to Governor Stein

Today, the House of Representatives voted 59-48 to pass Senate Bill 50 (S50), Freedom to Carry NC. The bill now heads to Governor Josh Stein for consideration.

New York: Numerous Anti-Gun Bills Still Moving in Final Days of Session

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

New York: Numerous Anti-Gun Bills Still Moving in Final Days of Session

New York lawmakers are tentatively scheduled to end their 2025 Regular Session this week, which means they are feverishly pushing through hundreds of bills at lightning pace with little or no discussion.  Gun owners are ...

California: Anti-Gun Bills Advance in Legislature Ahead of Deadline

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

California: Anti-Gun Bills Advance in Legislature Ahead of Deadline

Friday June 6 marked the deadline for all bills to pass out of the chamber of origin. Below find an update on notable firearm related bills from this session. Legislation that passed the chamber of ...

MORE TRENDING +
LESS TRENDING -

More Like This From Around The NRA

NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.