Bill bans big-game lead ammunition in condor country
On July 1, 2008, some hunters will have to switch over to
non-lead bullets.
Bill bans big-game lead ammunition in condor country
On July 1, 2008, some hunters will have to switch over to non-lead bullets.
Signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Oct. 13, Assembly Bill 821 requires hunters of big game and coyotes to use non-lead ammunition within condor range in Central and Southern California, according to the Center for Biological Diversity, an environmental organization. Twenty two-caliber bullets, used for small game such as squirrels, are exempt, according to Jim Petterson, wildlife biologist for Pinnacles National Monument.
The leading cause of death for reintroduced condors is lead poisoning from ingesting lead ammunition in carcasses, according to a press release from the Center.
“We’re really happy,” said Alan Keats, staff attorney for the Center. “We think this bill is a really good first step.”
The bill is only one of many steps needed, Petterson said.
“This is one of several approaches that can be used to reduce the amount of lead in the environment,” Petterson said “It does not take away the other suggestions that we’ve made.”
Petterson offered advice on how hunters can keep lead away from birds, such as removing carcasses from the field or hiding them under shrubs so that condors cannot find them.
Hunter education is vital, according to Court VanTassel, a biologist for the condor project at Pinnacles.
“We’re continuing our education and outreach program independent of this act,” VanTassel said. “One of the questions that hunters have is, ‘Well, how will [non-lead bullets] work in my rifle?'”
Pinnacles staff is sponsoring a non-lead shooting demonstration Nov. 10 at Fawn Lake Ranch in Fresno County, according to Lee Scazighini, owner of the Ranch.
The demonstration will give local ranchers and hunters an opportunity to learn about the importance of non-lead bullets and try them out. Hunters are invited to bring their own rifles. A variety of bullet calibers will be available.
“It’s going to be an up hill battle to educate the hunters,” Scazighini said. “I’ve been using non-lead personally for the last three years and I like it a lot.”
Non-lead bullets were designed as high-performance bullets, according to Scazighini.
“I think they perform as good or better than lead,” Scazighini said.
The California condor is one of the world’s most endangered species, according to the Center. Only 70 condors in California currently fly free. Since 1992 at least 12 condor deaths in California have been caused by lead poisoning.
Two condors from Pinnacles National Monument were treated for lead poisoning at the Los Angeles Zoo this past summer. One died during treatment. The second condor was treated and released in Pinnacles but later found dead. The cause of death was inconclusive, but a history of lead poisoning might have been a complicating factor, according to Jim Petterson.
Lead bullets hurt more than just condors, according to Petterson. They are bad for other birds, humans, and the environment.
“No amount of lead is good in the environment,” Petterson said.
