Ammunition Concern

March 5, 2009

Question: I just received my first order of non-lead ammo for my 270 rifle but am concerned because there is no marking on the casing or bullet to indicate they are non-lead. They look alarmingly like my regular leaded ammo. How can I verify the validity of this ammo if I encounter game wardens in the field who ask? Thanks for your help. Really enjoy the Q & A section…good stuff. (Gerry M.)

Answer: If you’ll be hunting in “Condor Country” and the non-lead ammunition you will be carrying cannot be easily identified as non-lead, the best thing to do is to carry the box end with you (or the whole box) to show to a warden should you get contacted in the field. If you’re thinking the ammo looks alarmingly like lead, we may also!

It’s a good idea to make sure that any commercially loaded ammunition, or bullets for handloading, purchased for use in the lead-free zone is on the certified lead-free ammunition approved list found on our Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/condor/certifiedammo.html. This site is updated periodically so check often.

According to Hunter Education Instructor Blaine Nickens, the listed lead-free ammunition from major cartridge manufacturers can usually be found in sporting goods stores in and adjacent to the lead-free zone. There are also small vendors on the certified-ammo list and online vendor sources for the major commercial offerings that can be mail-ordered if you do not live in the vicinity of the condor lead-free zone.

In addition, if you have no evidence that your ammo is compliant with the non-lead ruling in that area and the game warden thinks it necessary, the warden can take a sample of your ammo for testing.

More information about hunting in this lead-free area is available online at www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/condor.