Fragments from lead bullets used for deer hunting can remain in field dressed deer gut piles (or carcasses) and are easily consumed by a wide variety of scavengers. These lead fragments can be deadly to some of the scavengers accessing this easy meal. A fundamental tenet of hunter safety is to know your target and what is beyond it. To help reduce negative impacts beyond your target of a deer this season, consider using lead-free ammunition. To help hunters make the switch, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation has partnered with Conservation Science Global to offer rebates up to $60 for use of lead-free ammunition.
You can purchase lead-free ammunition at any time and location to meet the eligibility requirements. Just remember to save your receipt to get your rebate. We recommend locating and purchasing lead-free ammunition before the deer season. The 2026-27 deer hunting season is almost here.
To see a demonstration comparing lead to lead-free bullets, watch DEC’s YouTube video : Consider Making the Switch to Lead-Free Ammunition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqJnPO9y5s8
This initiative 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 towards minimizing the risks associated with lead ammunition for hunting. For more information, visit DEC’s website.
