Wildlife management areas: nontoxic shot.

The Ridley-Tree Condor Preservation Act requires the use of nonlead centerfire rifle and pistol ammunition when taking big game and coyote within specified areas. Existing law generally provides that a violation of the fish and game laws is a crime. This bill, commencing July 1, 2011, would prohibit the possession or use of any shotgun shell loaded with anything other than nontoxic shot, as defined, when taking migratory game birds, resident small game, or nongame species under the authority of a hunting license within a wildlife management area, as defined. Under the bill, a person who violates that prohibition would be guilty of an infraction punishable by a $500 fine for the first offense. Because the bill would create a new crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.