Lead Ammunition: Legislation Required or a Matter of Personal Responsibility?

Abstract

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has found the toxicity of lead-based ammunition to be the leading cause of death among California condors within Arizona. Condor exposure to lead has also been problematic in California and Utah. In response, on October 11, 2013, California Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 711 into law, making California the first state to fully ban the use of lead ammunition for hunting. This Comment begins by presenting an overview of the problem created by condor exposure to lead. It then discusses California’s attempt to remedy the problem through legislative action, and compares Arizona’s approach to the problem. Finally, the Comment considers whether Arizona should do more to protect the condors.