Years ago, fearing that lead in the environment was leading to the demise of the California Condor and other birds and wildlife, California began a slow move to ban all lead ammunition in the state. Then in October 2013, Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation that instructed the California Game Commission to phase in the ban on all lead ammunition no later than July 1, 2019. Today, non-lead bullets and shot are required when hunting any wildlife anywhere in California.

I was in the beautiful Central Coast wine country of Cali last week, hunting for blacktail deer. I chose Hornady’s Outfitter load with the 130-grain CX copper alloy bullet. My rifle and load shot great at the range—1.5 inches high at 100 and tight groups.  Two days later, I spotted and shot this great mature 2-point at 160-yards. When the copper bullet hit, the buck turned and somersaulted 200 yards off the grassy hillside. You’ll see the hunt on the new season of BIG DEER TV in 2025.

If you hunt deer or pigs, or any game, in California, keep this regulation in mind.

All ammunition in a hunter’s possession may be inspected by wildlife officers. In some cases, if a wildlife officer suspects a hunter is in possession of lead ammunition and cannot prove otherwise in the field, he or she may seize a cartridge or bullet for further analysis. Hunters are encouraged to assist in confirming compliance by retaining and carrying ammunition boxes or other packaging. These regulations apply both to public and private lands.

For a list of California compliant hunting ammo, click here.