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
Colorado: General Assembly Continues to Follow California's Lead; Semi-Auto Ban Scheduled For Hearing

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Colorado: General Assembly Continues to Follow California's Lead; Semi-Auto Ban Scheduled For Hearing

The Colorado General Assembly continues to follow California's lead when it comes to gun control, this year already pushing for an 11% Excise tax on firearms/ammunition and now pursuing a ban on commonly owned semi-automatic ...

Wisconsin: Legislation Updating the Definition of Muzzloader Signed by Governor Evers

Friday, March 15, 2024

Wisconsin: Legislation Updating the Definition of Muzzloader Signed by Governor Evers

Yesterday, the governor signed Wisconsin Act 116, formally Senate Bill 587, into law. This legislation establishes a new definition for “muzzleloaders” that would allow for the use of innovative technological advancements that could benefit sportsmen, ...

Maine: NRA Fires Back Against Gun Grabbers

Friday, March 15, 2024

Maine: NRA Fires Back Against Gun Grabbers

For months, anti-gun politicians and gun-grabbing groups have been running wild in Augusta, spreading misinformation about firearms in a desperate attempt to pass the most extreme gun-control in the country. The proposals carry the same theme, ...

Delaware: Senate Passes Maryland-Style Permit to Purchase Scheme

Friday, March 15, 2024

Delaware: Senate Passes Maryland-Style Permit to Purchase Scheme

Last night, the Delaware Senate passed Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) by a vote of 15 to 6. This extreme legislation will impose a Maryland-style “handgun qualified purchase card” and a handgun transfer ...

Virginia: More than a Dozen Anti-Gun Bills Sent to the Governor!

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Virginia: More than a Dozen Anti-Gun Bills Sent to the Governor!

The newly elected Virginia General Assembly has prioritized restricting law-abiding citizens' Second Amendment rights and has made good on that priority this session. This year, dozens of anti-gun bills have been considered in both chambers ...

Colorado: Semi-Auto Ban Introduced in General Assembly

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Colorado: Semi-Auto Ban Introduced in General Assembly

Anti-Gun extremist State Reps. Tim Hernandez (D-04) and Elisabeth Epps (D-06) introduced House Bill 24-1292, a bill banning the manufacturing, importing, purchasing, selling, offering to sell, or transferring ownership of so called “assault weapons”. 

Washington Post’s Somewhat Pro-Gun Column Inadvertently Exposes Problem with Mandatory Storage Laws

News  

Monday, March 11, 2024

Washington Post’s Somewhat Pro-Gun Column Inadvertently Exposes Problem with Mandatory Storage Laws

We generally don’t expect to see the Washington Post say anything positive about firearms or law-abiding gun owners, although there are occasional Op-Eds from pro-Second Amendment lawmakers, unbiased researchers and Constitutional scholars, and the like.

Appropriations Bill Passes with Language Protecting Veterans’ Second Amendment Rights

News  

Monday, March 11, 2024

Appropriations Bill Passes with Language Protecting Veterans’ Second Amendment Rights

Last week, Congress approved a package of legislation to fund various government agencies that corrects a longstanding and shameful practice that had been depriving American veterans of their Second Amendment rights since 1998.

Colorado: Mandatory Storage Bill Passes Committee and Hearings Postponed Due to Weather

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Colorado: Mandatory Storage Bill Passes Committee and Hearings Postponed Due to Weather

Today, HB 24-1348 which mandates how firearms must be stored in unattended vehicles, passed out of the House Judiciary Committee and is now eligible for a final vote on the House Floor. Please contact your lawmakers by using the ...

Utah: Governor Cox Signs Legislation Protecting Financial Privacy of Gun Owners!

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Utah: Governor Cox Signs Legislation Protecting Financial Privacy of Gun Owners!

Today, Governor Spencer Cox signed HB 406, legislation that provides important financial privacy protections for gun owners when purchasing firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition. The NRA would like to thank Governor Cox for signing this ...

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.