Use of Lead Bullets

February 11, 2009

Question: I was planning to hunt quail and rabbit with a 12 gauge shotgun in the Los Padres National Forest until I noticed a statement on their Web site saying lead bullets have been banned for hunting in the historic condor range, including the Los Padres National Forest. It also said we must remove or bury all gut piles. Is the DFG enforcing this lead free rule for rifle/handgun bullets ONLY or does it also include shotgun shot while in the condor flight area? My intent is to hunt upland game birds and small game which have a small/no gut pile. (Mark N., Simi Valley)

Answer: The lead free regulations currently apply to the use of lead for big game and non-game mammals. Rabbits and tree squirrels are classified as small game and were not included in the current regulations. Quail, tree squirrel and cottontail rabbit seasons closed on Jan. 25. Jackrabbits may still be taken throughout the year with lead bullets.

The use of lead shot for upland bird hunting is still legal but at least two military bases with public hunting programs (Fort Hunter Liggett and Camp Roberts) have banned lead shot as an area-specific regulation.