A bill that likely would end or so severely impact hunting in California that it might not recover is sitting on Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk waiting his approval or veto.

Assembly Bill 711 would ban lead ammunition for hunting in California. Although some nontoxic shot is available, mostly for shotguns, within the rifle-handgun world the number is smaller. And some of those nontoxic alternatives are not an option due to federal regulations.

In short, if this bill goes through then hunting will be gunned down. The anti-hunters and environmentalists will dance and sing, at least until mountain lions or coyotes start attacking more kids and joggers and campers. Then they’ll cry about how something has to be done to save these precious animals and money is needed … blah, blah, blah.

Until then, the fight’s not over. Assembly Bill 711 has not been acted upon yet by Brown, who with the Democratic-controlled Assembly pretty much is ramming through pet projects and other legislation willy-nilly. With little more than outcry from Republicans and not much else in the way of stopping the bills, Brown & Co. are rumbling along.

Brown has until Oct. 13 to act on this lead ammo bill, to either sign or veto it. If he does nothing, it automatically becomes law.

Now, Brown and the bill have attracted the attention of some major unions that oppose AB 711 and the impact that banning lead ammunition would have on jobs, families and the economy. The Los Angeles Times reported that unions are speaking out.

“Approximately 65% of all union households participate in hunting, fishing, or outdoor activities,” said Mark Gagliardi, an official with the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 277 in Fort Worth, Texas, in a statement.

“Our members are very concerned about this bill, not only because it will limit recreational opportunities, but because it will have a dramatic effect on union families whose breadwinner is employed in the ammunition or firearms industries,” Gagliardi said.

If the bill becomes law the state wildlife agency would have to provide regulations no later than July 1, 2015, and it would beimplemented statewide by no later than July 1, 2019.

The full bill: Click Here

Email California Gov. Jerry Brown to let him know what you think: Click Here