Game Wardens Also Lead-free in Condor Zone?

October 9, 2014

Question: Does a Fish and Wildlife officer’s pistol that he carries in the field contain lead-free ammunition? I ask because if I’m in the woods in the lead-free zone under a carry concealed weapon permit (CCW) and just camping, I must run lead-free, correct? The law should be consistent for everyone. (Dale G.)

Answer: No, the lead ban pertains to hunters. It is illegal to use, or possess with a firearm capable of firing, any projectile containing more than one percent lead by weight while taking or attempting to take big game or nongame within the condor range. This includes centerfire as well as black powder/muzzleloader and rimfire projectiles. Since wildlife officers are not hunting while on duty, their firearms may contain lead ammunition in the condor range. Any people who are not taking or attempting to take wildlife, including CCW holders, may use or possess lead ammunition.

I thought games wardens typically are called to dispatch injured big game?  Also when you have a concealed carry pistol this is NOT used for hunting... Another well thought out law by non hunting idiot lawmakers...

The rational behind this reg was to prevent carcasses full of lead being left in the field.  Perhaps the carcasses of humans shot by F&W officers, like "mercy killed" big game are not left in the field.

Note: its early...

The rational behind this reg was to prevent carcasses full of lead being left in the field.  Perhaps the carcasses of humans shot by F&W officers, like "mercy killed" big game are not left in the field.

Note: its early...

That's how I understand it.

I thought games wardens typically are called to dispatch injured big game?  Also when you have a concealed carry pistol this is NOT used for hunting... Another well thought out law by non hunting idiot lawmakers...

I've called a couple times for deer with obviously broken necks that were in need of putting down. Both times I was told to take care of it myself. This is an excellent reason to carry a .22 pistol in the trunk of the car.

I've called a couple times for deer with obviously broken necks that were in need of putting down. Both times I was told to take care of it myself. This is an excellent reason to carry a .22 pistol in the trunk of the car.

Although likely illegal to carry if you have it in there 100% of the time ...

-Allen

I've called a couple times for deer with obviously broken necks that were in need of putting down. Both times I was told to take care of it myself. This is an excellent reason to carry a .22 pistol in the trunk of the car.

Although likely illegal to carry if you have it in there 100% of the time ...

-Allen

Right. Be smart about it. Don't take it to the airport, parking at the federal building downtown, etc., and not out of state since who opens wat kind of crazy laws you might run into. But my trunk has never been searched except for going to an airport or a military base, I guess your mileage may vary.