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Audubon California is calling on Governor Schwarzenegger to sign Assembly Bill 821, which will require the use of non-lead ammunition in order to help save the California Condor. The State Senate approved AB 821 on Sept. 5 and the governor has until Oct 14 to either sign or veto the legislation. He has not yet taken a position on the bill, so your voice is essential. Please take action by sending a letter to the governor today calling on him to sign the bill.

Poisoning from lead ammunition presents a major threat to the recovery of the California Condor. Just last month, Condor No. 245 died from lead poisoning after ingesting lead ammunition in an animal carcass left behind by hunters in the wild. A coalition of scientists, hunters, conservationists and landowners recently agreed that lead ammunition is poisoning the California Condor and threatening its survival. Lead-free ammunition will have no effect on hunters’ enjoyment of their sport, but it will make a tremendous difference in the effort to bring back one of California’s most glorious species.

Because of these realities, Audubon California, Ventana Wildlife Society, Defenders of Wildlife, private sportsmen and many others have called for a ban on lead ammunition in condor habitat areas.

Background on AB 821:

AB 821 authored by Assemblyman Pedro Nava, would require the use of non-lead centerfire ammunition within the Department of Fish and Game’s deer hunting zones within current and potential condor range in California. To the extent funding is available, as determined by California Department of Finance, the bill would also establish a process that would provide big game hunters in these hunting zones with non lead ammunition coupons at no or reduced charge.