Section 377 - Methods Authorized for Taking Exotic Game Mammals(a) It shall be unlawful to take or attempt to take exotic game mammals in violation of this section or Section 250.1. The take or attempted take of any exotic game mammals (as defined by Section 375 of these regulations) with a firearm shall be in accordance with the use of nonlead projectiles and ammunition pursuant to Section 250.1 of these regulations.(b) Definition. For purposes of this section, a projectile is any bullet, ball, sabot, slug, buckshot or other device which is expelled from a firearm through a barrel by force. The following definitions shall apply: (1) A softnose or expanding projectile is a bullet designed to increase from its original diameter, commonly referred to as "mushrooming", and retain a significant part of its original weight upon impact with, or when passing through the tissues of an animal.(2) Projectiles commonly referred to as "frangible" bullets, designed to disintegrate upon impact with, or when passing through the tissues of an animal are not softnose or expanding projectiles.(c) Except for the provisions of the following subsections (d) through (j), exotic game may only be taken by rifles using centerfire cartridges with softnose or expanding projectiles; bow and arrow (see Section 354 of these regulations for archery equipment regulations); or wheellock, matchlock, flintlock or percussion type, including "in-line" muzzleloading rifles using black powder or equivalent black powder substitute, including pellets, with a single projectile loaded from the muzzle and at least .40 caliber in designation.(d) Shotguns capable of holding not more than three shells firing single slugs may be used for the taking of exotic game mammals. In areas where the discharge of rifles or shotguns with slugs is prohibited by county ordinance, shotguns capable of holding not more than three shells firing size 0 or 00 buckshot may be used.(e) Pistols and revolvers using centerfire cartridges with softnose or expanding projectiles may be used to take exotic game mammals.(f) Except as provided in subsection 354(j) of these regulations, crossbows may not be used to take exotic game mammals in an area where an archery season is open for deer, elk, or pronghorn antelope.(g) Except as otherwise provided, while taking or attempting to take exotic game under the provisions of this section or Section 354 of these regulations it is unlawful to use any device or devices which: 1) throw, cast or project an artificial light or electronically alter or intensify a light source for the purpose of visibly enhancing an animal; or2) throw, cast or project an artificial light or electronically alter or intensify a light source for the purpose of providing a visible point of aim directly on an animal. Devices commonly referred to as "sniperscopes," night vision scopes or binoculars, or those utilizing infrared, heat sensing or other non-visible spectrum light technology used for the purpose of visibly enhancing an animal or providing a visible point of aim directly on an animal are prohibited and may not be possessed while taking or attempting to take exotic game mammals. Devices commonly referred to as laser rangefinders, "red-dot" scopes with self-illuminating reticles, and fiberoptic sights with self-illuminating sight or pins which do not throw, cast or project a visible light onto an animal are permitted.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 14, § 377
Note: Authority cited: Sections 200, 203 and 265, Fish and Game Code. Reference: Sections 2005, 2055, 3004.5 and 3965, Fish and Game Code.
1. New section filed 5-29-2024; operative 7/1/2024 (Register 2024, No. 22).