In an effort to remove a loophole in the law that creates a dangerous environment for birds and other wildlife, Audubon California is sponsoring a bill in the State Assembly that will ban the use of lead shot in state wildlife areas. We have also asked the California Fish and Game Commission to consider implementing the restriction.

Due to widespread consensus that the use of lead shot for waterfowl hunting poses a significant danger in wetland environments, federal law bans such use. However, the use of lead shot for upland game is currently allowed on most state wildlife areas, and often results in lead being introduced into wetland environments anyway.

Research now shows that both wetland and upland birds will ingest spent lead shot, and that this creates the potential for devastating effects on these bird populations. Audubon California feels that allowing this situation to continue is inconsistent with the state’s mission to manage these wildlife areas to the highest standards.

California is behind other states in recognizing and addressing this problem. At least 25 other states have prohibitions on the use of lead shot prohibitions that go beyond the federal ban.

Assembly Bill 2223 is sponsored by Pedro Nava, who recently helped pass a state law prohibiting the use of lead ammunition in areas inhabited by the California Condor because of the dangers that it posed for that endangered species.

Throughout its campaign to ban the use of lead shot in these areas, Audubon California has consistently noted the crucial role hunters play in wildlife management and conservation, particularly in funding through licenses and excise taxes on sporting equipment sales. This policy change should appeal to hunters, given that inaction stands to erode both wetland and upland bird populations – and diminish hunting opportunities.