By: Drew Gudenburr
To the early humans that roamed the great planet earth, hunting was a necessity.[1] The quarry not only provided food, but also resources such as clothing and materials for tools deriving from bones, horns and hooves.[2] Soon, the human species began hunting not only for survival but also for sport.[3] This practice appeared in civilizations such as ancient Egypt, where it served as a marker of social status, as well as among the Assyrians, Babylonians, and later the ancient Greeks.[4] Over time, hunting for sport became deeply ingrained in human culture, taking on different meanings and purposes across societies and social classes.[5]
Today, in North America, hunting carries many different meanings.[6] The types of weaponry used have evolved throughout society.[7] While increased ethicality has always been the driving factor of weaponry evolution, one of these advances in particular has imposed immense environmental concerns.[8] Specifically, lead bullets have been a cause for alarm to certain segments of the wildlife population, giving the mantra “Free as a Bird,” a run for its money.[9]
The California condor is an impressive species that roams our great nation.[10] With a wingspan of 9.5 feet and weighing up to 25 pounds, this grand animal is North America’s largest bird.[11] These fascinating birds usually live to be 60 years old and possess the capability of roaming up to 150 miles a day.[12] Condors must consume between 75 and 150 carcasses annually to stay healthy.[13] Dr. Myra Finkelstein and her team found that even if less than 2% of those carcasses are contaminated with lead, a condor still faces a 50% probability of ingesting tainted meat.[14]
The biggest threat to condors today is lead poisoning.[15] When a firearm using lead ammunition is discharged, the bullet often shatters into numerous tiny fragments upon impact, spreading beyond the initial wound.[16] Scavengers like condors may consume these contaminated remains and unknowingly ingest the lead.[17]
As of July 1, 2019, the use of nonlead ammunition is mandatory for taking any wildlife with a firearm throughout California.[18] This requirement stems from Assembly Bill 711, signed into law in October 2013, which directed the California Fish and Game Commission to implement regulations gradually phasing in the nonlead ammunition mandate, culminating in full compliance by July 1, 2019.[19]
These Condors were on the mere brink of extinction in the mid 1980s.[20] Nonetheless, due to tireless efforts from hunters, ranchers, biologists and many other organizations, there are over 600 alive currently.[21] Despite, being critically endangered, efforts from all realms are ensuring these birds strive towards a strong and healthy population.[22]
Hunters play a vital role in conservation.[23] By choosing non-lead ammunition, they continue a strong tradition of safeguarding wildlife and preserving entire ecosystems.[24]
[1] Britannica Editors, hunting, Britannica (Mar. 5, 2026), https://www.britannica.com/sports/hunting-sport.
[2] Id.
[3] Id.
[4] Id.
[5] Id.
[6] Id. Humans can be seen hunting for sport, to preserve tradition, or solely to put food on the table. Id.
[7] Wes Littlefiled, A Brief History of North American Hunting told through Tools & Tactics, All Outdoors (Dec. 23, 2024), https://www.alloutdoor.com/2024/12/23/brief-history-north-american-hunting/.
[8] California Condors, National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/subjects/condors/threats.htm (last visited Mar. 2, 2026).
[9] Id.; Lynyrd Skynrd, Free Bird, on Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd (Apple Music, MCA Recs. Mar. 2, 2026).
[10] Supra, note 8.
[11] California Condor, National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/california-condor.htm (last visited Mar. 2, 2026).
[12] Id.
[13] Mary Bates, Ph.D., Lead poisoning still threatens endangered California Condor, AAAS (July 23, 2012), https://www.aaas.org/membership/qualia/lead-poisoning-still-threatens-endangered-california-condor.
[14] Id.
[15] Supra, note 8.
[16] Id.
[17] Id.
[18] Assem. Bill. 711, 2013-2014 Reg. Sess. (Cal. 2013).
[19] Id.
[20] Understanding and Managing Condors, National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/subjects/condors/understandingcondors.htm (last visited Mar. 2, 2026).
[21] Id.
[22] Id.
[23] Supra, note 8.
[24] Id.