DEC Expands Non-Lead Ammunition Study to Help Improve Bald and Golden Eagle Conservation Efforts

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced DEC is expanding statewide the multi-year cooperative study of how increased use of non-lead ammunition for deer hunting can improve the survival of bald and golden eagles. Hunters statewide are now eligible for a rebate up to $60 for the purchase of non-lead ammunition for use during the 2024-25 deer hunting seasons.

"Hunters are critical partners in promoting sustainable wildlife management practices across North America, including ongoing efforts to improve golden and bald eagle populations in New York State," Interim Commissioner Mahar said. "By using non-lead ammo, hunters can help ensure scavenging animals like eagles are not unintentionally exposed to toxic lead fragments from bullets. DEC appreciates deer hunters who have volunteered to be part of this study and encourages others to participate during the upcoming hunting season."

DEC highly prioritizes minimizing risks to wildlife and people from lead hunting ammunition. Eagles can incidentally ingest lead bullet fragments when scavenging the remains left behind after a hunter field dresses a deer. The golden eagle population is relatively stable in the eastern United States, although a multitude of human-caused threats still exist. While the bald eagle population continues to recover in New York, research has shown that lead-related mortality slows population growth. The newly expanded study aims to determine whether this source of mortality can be reduced by increasing the proportion of hunters using non-lead ammunition.

Initially available for hunting in specific Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), the study is expanding statewide to include all WMUs where a firearm can be used to hunt deer. Participation in the rebate program is voluntary and will be available to all firearm deer hunters statewide. DEC's research partners will be offering rebates up to $60 for the purchase of certified non-lead ammunition and participation in both pre- and post-hunt surveys.

DEC expects to continue the study and rebate program for the 2025 and 2026 hunting seasons. For more information about the program, assistance with finding ammunition, and a program application, visit the Hunters for Eagle Conservation website.

This research was identified as a high priority in DEC's report, "Minimizing Risks to Wildlife and People from Lead Hunting Ammunition." Since the report's release in April 2022, DEC and partners-including the New York State Department of Health (DOH), Cornell University, U.S. Geological Survey, and Conservation Science Global-have taken several steps to implement recommendations in the plan to minimize the risks associated with lead ammunition for hunting:

• DEC's Wildlife Health Program is measuring lead levels in furbearers and other scavenging wildlife to evaluate lead exposure. Preliminary results show 36 (44 percent) of 81 sampled fishers had low but detectable lead levels, and eight (15 percent) of 53 bobcats analyzed had detectable lead; data analyses and additional sample procurement is underway.
• DEC hosted a North American Non-Lead Partnership workshop for Hunter Education staff, leaders of New York hunting organizations, and outdoor writers to demonstrate differences in lead and non-lead bullet performance. Work is underway to provide widespread access to these online educational videos and other outreach materials.
• DEC and colleagues at the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab analyzed hunter survey data to identify factors influencing use of non-lead ammunition. DEC posted an educational video produced with Cornell Wildlife Health Lab and Cornell Department of Communication titled: "Your Choice of Ammunition" featuring hunters' experience with non-lead ammunition on DEC's YouTube Channel and hunting page, including updated messaging in the annual hunting guide to the benefits of using non-lead ammunition.
• DEC collaborated with the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab on a project using game cameras to monitor scavenger use of deer carcasses and published the paper, "Vulnerability to lead toxicosis and bioindicator utility of deer scavengers in New York," in The Journal of Wildlife Management.
• DEC updated Hunter Education Program course curriculum and training of instructors to emphasize the risks to wildlife from lead ammunition and the benefits of non-lead ammunition.
• DEC continues to update and improve the non-lead ammunition information available in the annual hunting and trapping regulations guide and updated the DEC website about the use of non-lead ammunition.
• DOH surveyed food banks on practices related to donation of wild game and updated data collection procedures for lead-impacted adults to include questions about game consumption and lead ammunition use. DOH continues to develop and update outreach materials for pantry/foodbank employees and patrons and provides "Health Advice for Harvesting, Preparing, and Eating Wild Game," which provides guidance on best practices.

For more information, visit DEC's website.