California’s Lead Ammo Hunting Ban Goes into Effect

If you’re hunting in California, you better start using lead-free ammo. Starting July 1, 2015, “certified” non-lead ammunition will be required when hunting on all California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) lands and for all Nelson bighorn sheep hunts anywhere in the state.

CDFW reminds hunters who plan to hunt bighorn sheep or at any CDFW wildlife area or ecological reserve to acquire nonlead ammunition. California’s bureaucrats also state: “Hunters are also encouraged to practice shooting nonlead ammunition to make sure firearms are sighted-in properly and shoot accurately with nonlead ammunition. Nonlead ammunition for some firearm calibers may be in short supply so hunters should plan accordingly.”

CLICK HERE for List of CDFW-Certified Nonlead Ammunition.

Why is lead-free ammo now required? Thank the California Legislature. In October 2013, Assembly Bill 711 was signed into law requiring the phase-out of lead ammunition for hunting anywhere in the state by July 1, 2019. This is the 2015 phase, which applies to CDFW lands and Bighorn sheep hunts. The restrictions will become tougher each year, with a complete ban going into effect in four years.

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