New York has floated a lead‑ammo ban on state lands and the NYC watershed every session since 2017, but none have become law. The science shows raptors ingest tiny bullet fragments from hunter‑killed remains, enough to measurably slow eagle population growth, yet water contamination from dispersed hunting bullets isn’t the driver. Hunters care about accuracy, availability, and fairness, and voluntary incentives like New York’s $60 rebate and the USFWS refuge rebates move the needle far better than blanket bans.
Legislation: What A2089/S4954 (2025–26) and A2084/S4976 (2023–24) are, and the pattern since 2017
What the recent bills say: Assembly A2084A and Senate S4976A would prohibit the use of lead ammunition for taking wildlife on state‑owned lands open to hunting and on lands contributing surface water to the New York City water supply (NYC watershed). The bills also direct DEC to include the prohibition in the annual hunting syllabus. The concept returned in 2025–26 as A1089/S4954. Functionally similar proposals have appeared every session since 2017 (A8742 → A703 → A5728 → A2084A → A1089), with Senate companions when filed; none have become law yet.
Science: What’s actually harming raptors—and what isn’t
Population‑level effect is real. A continent‑wide study of bald and golden eagles found chronic and acute lead exposure widespread; demographic modeling estimated bald eagle growth reduced by ~3.8%/yr and golden eagle growth by ~0.8%/yr due to lead poisoning, enough to measurably slow population growth. Mechanism: traditional lead‑core rifle bullets can leave dozens to hundreds of tiny fragments in carcasses and gut piles; scavenging raptors ingest those fragments, and lead levels spike seasonally during and after big‑game seasons. Field interventions that switch hunters to lead‑free show corresponding drops in eagle exposure, indicating a causal source. This debate isn’t about water: soil/water issues are well‑documented at shooting ranges (high‑density point sources) but not diffuse big‑game hunting across large landscapes.
What Hunters Value: Performance, Availability, and Fairness
Performance first. Most hunters will try copper if it groups in their rifle and kills cleanly at their distances. Copper monoliths often prefer a jump to the lands and slightly different seating depth; many expand best above a minimum impact velocity, so re‑zeroing and checking velocity at real‑world ranges matters.
Availability and cost. New York expanded a voluntary, statewide $60 rebate to lower the risk of trying a box of certified lead‑free ammo for the 2024–25 deer seasons. DEC’s hunting guide lays it out simply: buy qualifying lead‑free slugs/bullets (legal deer calibers), complete pre‑ and post‑season surveys, and redeem up to $60, processed via Hunters for Eagle Conservation (HEC). Separately, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is continuing its Voluntary Lead‑Free Ammunition Incentive Program on selected National Wildlife Refuges: up to $50/box for rifle and $25/box for shotgun/muzzleloader, typically two boxes per hunter, with proof of purchase and refuge hunt verification.
Fairness and enforcement. Mandates force wardens to police ammo types, creating friction with otherwise compliant hunters and tying up time that could target poaching and habitat crimes. Voluntary programs respect hunter judgment, avoid boundary confusion (e.g., NYC watershed private parcels), and still reduce eagle exposure by moving real boxes of lead‑free into real rifles.
Our Position
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers supports education‑first, incentive‑driven adoption of lead‑free ammunition where it matters most for raptors, not blanket bans that single out public‑land hunters or entangle private parcels inside watershed boundaries. The proposed bills do not address lead ammunition use on private lands (about 60% of the state), an education‑first, incentive‑driven adoption helps reduces lead on both private and public lands.
FAQ: Lead‑Free Ammunition in New York
Who qualifies for New York’s $60 lead‑free ammunition rebate?
Licensed hunters purchasing certified lead‑free ammunition (or bullets for reloading) in calibers legal for deer during the 2024–25 seasons. Claims are submitted through the Hunters for Eagle Conservation portal with receipt upload, along with brief pre‑ and post‑season surveys.
What counts as “lead‑free” ammunition?
Rifle bullets or slugs made without lead (e.g., copper monolithic designs) from manufacturers listed by DEC/HEC as qualifying for the rebate. Always check the current eligibility list before purchase.
Does lead‑free shoot differently?
Often, yes. Many copper monolithic bullets prefer a slight jump to the lands and may group best at a different seating depth than your lead load. Re‑zero your rifle and test 1–2 bullet weights matched to your barrel’s twist rate.
Will lead‑free expand at typical deer distances?
Most modern copper bullets are engineered to expand above a specified impact velocity. Verify your muzzle velocity keeps you above that threshold at your expected distances.
Is there help on federal lands?
Yes. On selected National Wildlife Refuges, USFWS offers voluntary rebates (typically up to $50/box for rifle and $25/box for shotgun/muzzleloader) to offset first‑box cost.
Does this mean DEC is banning lead statewide?
No. The current approach emphasizes voluntary, incentive‑driven adoption. Bills proposing bans have been introduced repeatedly since 2017 but have not been enacted.
Where should New York focus efforts?
Eagle‑hunter overlap areas. Prioritize education, and simple incentives; promote proper carcass/gut‑pile handling and make it easy to try lead‑free.
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