Non-lead Ammo Waiver

April 8, 2021

Question: I’m a long-time hunter who has transitioned to using nonlead ammunition. In case anyone hasn’t noticed, there’s a nationwide shortage right now. I’m trying to find simple .30-06 nonlead ammo, and it doesn’t seem to be available anywhere. Someone told me that the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s director could waive the non-lead ammo requirement. Is that a possibility for the upcoming big game seasons? (Brad)

Answer: We share your frustration because yes, nonlead ammunition is difficult to find, especially right now. However, the director for California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) does not have the authority you are asking about. California Fish and Game Code section 3004.5 (j)(1) authorizes CDFW’s director to temporarily suspend the nonlead requirement for a specific hunting season and caliber upon a finding by the director that nonlead ammunition of a specific caliber is not commercially available from any manufacturer because of federal prohibitions relating to armor-piercing ammunition pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code. When AB 711 was enacted, the law that required implementation of the nonlead ammunition requirement for hunting, there was concern that the ammunition met the definition of armor piercing due to its design. That concern turned out to be legally unfounded, but regardless, that provision of the law does not apply to your stated concern.

So where does that leave us as big game hunters? As the big game seasons approach, ammunition manufacturers tend to ramp up production of ammunition needed for hunting and there should be some available by that time. However, you should continue to periodically check your local stores for it. Whenever and wherever you look for nonlead hunting ammunition and they don’t have it, we advise you to notify the staff of what you need to make sure it remains a priority for them.

For more information see CDFW’s Non-Lead Ammunition and Certified Non-Lead Ammunition webpages.