The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in partnership with Conservation Science Global, is offering hunters throughout the state up to $60 for their purchase and use of lead-free ammunition during the 2026-27 big game hunting season.
“Hunters in North America have been the backbone of wildlife conservation and have led the charge in numerous wildlife management successes, such as the restoration of white-tailed deer and wild turkey,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “DEC’s lead-free ammunition rebate program is yet another prime example of how hunters can help conserve wildlife. We thank the deer hunters of New York who volunteer to be part of the project.”
Lead ammunition fragments and can travel up to 18 inches from the point of impact. These fragments are commonly left behind after a deer is harvested and field dressed, posing a risk to scavenging wildlife. Comparatively, lead-free ammunition is made of copper that retains up to 95% of mass after impact, resulting in deeper penetration without being toxic to scavenging wildlife.
To see a demonstration video comparing lead to lead-free bullets, please visit: Consider Making the Switch to Lead-Free Ammunition.
Participation in the rebate program is strictly voluntary and will be available to all firearm deer hunters statewide.
The overall research project led by DEC, Cornell University, and Conservation Science Global, which incorporates more than just the ammunition rebates, is supported through $640,000 in federal Wildlife Restoration funds. Ammunition rebates are supported by $84,000 from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund and through support from Conservation Science Global.
This research was identified as a high priority in DEC’s report, “Minimizing Risks to Wildlife and People from Lead Hunting Ammunition.” Since the release of this report in April 2022, DEC and partners have taken several steps to implement recommendations in the plan to minimize risks associated with lead ammunition for hunting. For more information, visit DEC’s website.
Watch the interview with Wildlife Biologist Matthew Palumbo.
