Warning For California Turkey Hunters

WARNING FOR CALIFORNIA TURKEY HUNTERS: FOR SPRING TURKEY OPENER & BEYOND LEAD AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT

The NRA/CRPA recently alerted California hunters that the first phase of AB 711 took effect on July 1, 2015, drastically expanding California’s restrictions on lead ammunition for hunters. Prior to AB 711, it was already required to use ammunition that has been certified as non-lead by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife when taking certain animals within the “California condor zone.” AB 711 applies those restrictions to all ammunition when taking any wildlife throughout California. Given this drastic change, AB 711’s provisions will be phased in over time up until July 1, 2019, when it will be fully enforced everywhere.

The first phase of implementation has been in effect since July 1, 2015. It requires all California hunters to use certified “non-lead ammunition” when taking: (1) Nelson bighorn sheep anywhere within the state; and (2) all wildlife within a Wildlife Area or an Ecological Reserve. With the first phase already in place, California turkey hunters should be aware of its effect on the upcoming spring turkey hunting season, which began on March 26, 2016. Many hunters may not be aware that some of the most prominent locations for turkey hunting fall inside Wildlife Areas or Ecological Reserves. For example, the Spenceville, Gray Lode, Cache Creek, and San Felipe Wildlife Areas, as well as the North Table Mountain and Carrizo Plains Ecological Reverses, are some of California’s most popular turkey hunting locations. Turkey hunters planning to hunt this season in these or any Wildlife Areas ore Ecological Reserves should be advised that non-lead shot will be required. Hunters should also be careful if they are moving around or changing spots throughout the day when near these areas. Their boundaries are often unmarked.

The same goes for those planning to hunt any upland game birds throughout October and November. Additionally, some military lands that are open to hunting, like Fort Hunter and Fort Roberts, require the use of non-lead ammunition, even if state law restrictions do not apply. So call before you go so you don’t get turned away the day of the hunt!

We strongly encourage all hunters to contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife before going out to the field to determine whether the area you plan on hunting requires non-lead shot. You can contact the Department at:

California Department of Fish and Game
1416 9th Street, 12th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 445-0411
Email: director@wildlife.ca.gov

If you need to speak to someone regarding AB 711 affecting you personally (for example, you get cited) Please contact:

California Rifle & Pistol Association
Fullerton, CA 92835
Tel: (800) 305-2772
Email: contact@CRPA.org

Also, remember to contact DFW for answers to general questions.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR AB 711 COMPLIANCE GUIDE!