The state is expanding its study on how non-lead ammunition for deer hunting can improve the survival of bald and golden eagles.

Hunters across New York 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.

Eagles can ingest lead bullet fragments when scavenging the remains left behind after a hunter field dresses a deer, said the state’s Department of Conservation in a release about the program.

The golden eagle population is relatively stable in the eastern United States, although many 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.

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, Cornell University, U.S. Geological Survey, and Conservation Science Global — have taken steps to implement recommendations in the plan to reduce the risks associated with lead ammunition for hunting.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer