Nonlead Ammunition in California

Effective July 1, 2019, nonlead ammunition is required when taking any wildlife with a firearm anywhere in California.

Hunters can purchase nonlead ammunition in most local gun stores and sporting goods retailers. If your bullet size, caliber or guage is unavailable, most retail stores will special order ammunition. Just be sure to order ahead of time.

Nonlead ammunition can cost more than certain types of lead ammunition. However, the price of nonlead ammunition is the same as premium lead ammunition. In fact, sometimes it costs less. For some calibers and gauges even the difference between cheaper lead ammunition and nonlead ammunition can be less than $10 per box, especially if you look for deals at your local store. Either way, ammunition is often the least expensive part of a hunt, and the only thing that touches the bird or animal you want to harvest. Make sure to buy ammunition that will make your hunt a success.

All bullets, slugs and pellets fly differently and have different points of impact and patterns. Try nonlead at the range, re-zero your rifle and pattern your shotgun. The process is the same as when switching from one lead bullet or brand of ammunition to another.

Most public shooting ranges recycle the lead that gets shot into their berms, and lead bullets are great for target practice.

All ammunition in a hunter’s possession may be inspected by wildlife officers. In some cases, if a wildlife officer suspects a hunter is in possession of lead ammunition and cannot prove otherwise in the field, he or she may seize a cartridge or bullet for further analysis. Hunters are encouraged to assist in confirming compliance by retaining and carrying in the field ammunition boxes or other packaging.

The regulations do not require use of nonlead ammunition when target shooting. Use of lead projectiles for target shooting is legal unless CDFW or another government entity has determined otherwise for lands they administer. The regulations do not prohibit the possession of concealable firearms containing lead ammunition, provided the firearm is possessed for personal protection and is not used to take or assist in the take of wildlife. With the exception of ammunition for concealable firearms possessed for personal protection, hunters may not possess lead ammunition along with a firearm capable of firing that ammunition.

Since pellet rifles are not considered firearms, the use of lead projectiles in pellet rifles is not prohibited. However, air rifles are not permitted for hunting big game in California. They are only allowed for small game, where the use of nonlead ammunition is encouraged.

These regulations apply both to public and private lands. Private landowners or anyone authorized to hunt on private land must also comply with these regulations.

CDFW issues depredation permits for a variety of species to reduce damage to property. The use of certified nonlead ammunition is required for depredation purposes on a statewide basis.