Lead-free zone question

February 18, 2014

Question: In the lead-free condor zone, can I carry a pistol that is loaded with lead ammo for self-defense, with the intention of NEVER using it for hunting purposes? The purpose of carrying it is for self-defense only. Of course I'll be carrying lead-free ammo for my rifles, but I want to know about the side arm. Personally, I carry either a Glock 20 in 10mm or a Ruger 44mag. (Brandon C.)

Answer: You may not use or possess lead ammunition in the condor zone while hunting, even if you have no intention of using the lead ammunition to shoot wildlife. For more information on the non-lead requirements in condor country, please visit the CDFW website.

Question: I received a grizzly bear tooth amongst some of my grandfather's possessions after he passed away. My grandfather grew up here in California and was an amateur geologist and never hunted, so I think he either found or purchased the tooth, although I have no proof. I was wondering if it is legal to possess or sell the tooth here in the state of California. I don't want to break any laws. (Laura J.)

Answer: It is legal for you to possess it but you cannot try to sell it. The sale or purchase of any bear part in California is prohibited (FGC, Section 4758 (a)). Even offering it for sale over the Internet is a federal violation that could make you subject to prosecution under the Lacey Act. You may possess the tooth or give it away, but you may not sell it.

Sounds to me like you have an interesting piece of California's history, as grizzly bears are extinct in the state - Enjoy it!

Cool thanks. But last time I checked we could use lead for ground squirrels. But that must have changes sometime. Fine rimfire lead free ammo, Can you?

Cool thanks. But last time I checked we could use lead for ground squirrels. But that must have changes sometime. Fine rimfire lead free ammo, Can you?

yes! 

Winchester Super-X HP 26g

Sounds like I've been out of touch too long. Are you saying we can't use lead in our deer riffles now? All the old ammo I have is not legal now? I haven't picked up a riffle to hunt with for about a decade now. Strictly slingin' lead free sticks last few years...

Just in the "Condor" restriction zones, except for rimfire .17 & .22 ammo hunting non-game species.

Even your "protection" sidearm must have lead-free ammo when carrying it in these restricted areas....

Crap! You mean I have to use non lead when hunting condors now? Geeze!!

Crap! You mean I have to use non lead when hunting condors now? Geeze!!

Only if there is a squirrel sitting right in front of it....

The last Condor I got tasted like chicken, so whats the big deal?

more like a cross between a bald eagle and a grey horned owl

more like a cross between a bald eagle and a grey horned owl

or an eagle and a seagull....