Details on new law to ban lead bullets in California

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- If you're a hunter in California, you can expect to stop using lead bullets by 2019. In a public meeting the Department of Fish and Wildlife detailed how the use of lead bullets is already banned because of the California condor between San Jose and Los Angeles. But starting next year, there is a proposal to ban the metal in ammunition used in wildlife areas or for hunting big horn sheep. Eventually that ban will extend to all game statewide.

"This is more than just condors. We know that lead is toxic which is why the recommended minimum dose for people is zero. we know we put a lot of it out in the environment every year through hunting and at the end of day - it's the law," said Dan Yparraguirre, Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Barry Bauer with Herb Bauer sporting goods isn't happy about the law. "Definitely, it infringes on people's second amendment rights."

He says in five years the price of ammo will go up because of the other alternative, copper bullets, are so expensive. "There isn't enough supply of ammunition to meet our regular hunting requirements right now because of the world wide demand."

But Bauer has a bigger issue with the upcoming restrictions. Gun advocates say when the ban goes into effect in 2019 it will be difficult to enforce because the average eye can't tell the difference between lead and copper bullets. "There is no perfect way to tell, there is no equipment readily available and that's why we are recommending a delay to 2019."

State leaders say in five years they plan to develop the right technology to identify the difference between lead and copper ammo. Right now they're focusing on getting the public onboard about the big changes ahead.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife wants to hear your opinion on the ban of lead bullets for hunting.

If you would like to take part in that discussion, CLICK HERE for more information.