Fish Report for 5-17-2012

Lead pellets from an air rifle

5-17-2012
CDFG

Question:
I know that air rifles are not technically considered firearms, but shouldn't the lead pellets from an air rifle still be illegal in Condor Country because they contain lead? It would seem the reason for banning lead projectiles is because it is made up of lead, not because of the type of firearm/weapon/tool it came out of. What is the purpose of the lead ban if it is legal to use lead pellets from a pellet rifle? Isn't there a health risk involved with condors and lead, thus the ban on lead? If the pellet rifle is not considered a firearm, isn't this a flaw in how the lead ban law is written when it states that the projectiles come from a firearm?

Answer:
DFG enforces the Fish and Game Code regulations after they go through the legislative process and are adopted by the Fish and Game Commission. You raise valid policy questions that may have been considered by the State Legislature and Commission in developing the lead bullet bans. DFG can't speak for the Commission, but if you'd like to research this issue further, please contact the Fish and Game Commission directly. Their website is www.fgc.ca.gov.


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