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California blacktail buck in oak woodland at sunrise

In season · California

Deer season: non-lead hunting ammo

A Zone is in season now. California requires non-lead ammo to take any wildlife with a firearm — including deer on private ground. These are copper hunting loads only.

Under AB 711, lead ammo is illegal for hunting in California. For deer that means a copper expanding bullet — Barnes TSX / Tipped TSX, Hornady CX, Nosler E-Tip — not FMJ, not match, not last year’s cup-and-core box.

A Zone general season is underway in August. B and C zones typically open mid-September. Confirm dates, tags, and CWD testing for your zone on CDFW Deer Hunting.

  • .243, .270, .308, .30-06, .30-30 — classic CA deer cartridges in copper.
  • 6.5 Creedmoor / 6.5 PRC / 6mm ARC CX — modern hunting loads, lead-free.
  • Pickup in Turlock at Alquist Arms, 1400 Freitas Park, if you want the box in the truck before daylight.

In stock · lead-free rifle

Lead-free centerfire rifle ammo

Sports South copper / TSX / CX / TUI rifle loads that are in stock. No steel dove, no turkey TSS, no pistol defense. Filter by caliber.

This page is for hunters shopping Alquist Warehouse. It is not legal advice. Season dates, tag rules, caliber restrictions, and non-lead requirements are set by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Verify before you hunt: Nonlead ammunition.

Dove season · steel shot →