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California Condor
Attention Hunters: "It's time to Get the Lead Out"
After nearly a full year of public testimony, discussion, and environmental analyses, the Fish and Game Commission modified the Methods Authorized for Taking Big Game (Section 353, Title 14, CCR) in December, 2007 to prohibit the use of projectiles containing lead for hunting deer, bear, wild pig, elk, and pronghorn antelope in areas designated as California condor range. Modifications to Methods of Take for Nongame Birds and Mammals (Section 475, Title 14, CCR) were also adopted to prohibit the use of lead projectiles in the same areas when hunting coyotes, ground squirrels, and other non-game wildlife. These regulations become effective July 1, 2008.
If you hunt in this area, you will be required to use nonlead projectiles to hunt big-game and non-game species beginning July 1, 2008. In addition, while hunting these species in this area hunters may not possess any lead projectiles/ammunition and a firearm capable of firing that lead projectile or ammunition.
NOTE! Lead Projectiles are still legal for hunting upland game species within the nonlead zone.
- Map of Areas affected (PDF)
- Certified Nonlead Ammunition
- Nonlead Certification Information for Ammo Manufacturers
- Questions and Answers (PDF)
- Assembly Bill No. 821 - Ridley-Tree Condor Preservation Act (PDF)
- Learn More about the California condor
- Brochure on Lead Ammunition Restrictions (PDF)
- Google Earth™ map of Non-Lead Area & Deer Hunt Zones (KML file)
- California Fish and Game Commission Report on the Levels of Lead Found in California Condors During 2008 (PDF)
- California Fish and Game Commission Report on the Levels of Lead Found in California Condors During 2009 (PDF)