Regulations on Rounds in the Magazine

October 21, 2010

Question: I can find that with a shotgun I am allowed to have two rounds in the magazine, but I can’t find the regulation on rifles. I would like to know for sure before I go out into the field what I am allowed for both bolt action and semi-auto. Also, is there any restriction on the number of rounds when hunting with a hand gun? (Steve)

Answer: As long as the rifle you’re using is a legal firearm for hunting and the magazine you’re using is legal for the public to possess and is not modified (e.g. police often have larger magazines), then it is legal to use with the capacity available. Same goes for handguns. As long as the guns are legal for hunting and not modified to carry larger loads, then you may use them. Remember that when hunting in condor country, only non-lead bullets and shells may be used for the take of big game and nongame species. For more information on non-lead requirements, please check out www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/condor/.