Hunters have an opportunity
The Challenge
Bald and golden eagles face many risks including collision with wind turbines, electrocution, vehicle collision and lead poisoning. Minimizing the number of eagle deaths caused by any one source is essential to maintain eagle populations in New York.
The Opportunity
Hunters have an opportunity to participate in eagle management and assist with wildlife research. For this effort, we are asking qualified hunters in New York to help us test the effectiveness of non-lead ammunition to improve the health of bald and golden eagles. To do this, we are issuing rebates for 1 box of factory loaded non-lead ammunition or 1 box of non-lead bullets for reloading (up to $60) to eligible hunters.
Who is Eligible?
There are two ways to qualify.
- If you are awarded a Deer Management Permit (DMP) in Wildlife Management Units (WMU) 3H, 4F, 4G, 4H, 4O, 4P, 4R, 4W, and 6G (map below), you are eligible for a rebate.
- You intend to fill your buck tag in one of the qualifying WMUs listed above.
Ammo Eligible for the Rebate Program
Please go to https://Wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/Nonlead-Ammunition/Certified to see a list of non-lead ammunition that qualifies for our program. Proof of purchase is required.
Are you having trouble finding non-lead ammo? Please send us an email at NewYork@HuntersForEagleConservation.org and we will do our best to assist. We can help you find a retail store with inventory near your residence. As an additional option, some local retail stores in NY with a federal firearms license will allow delivery of ammo from online stores for a small fee. See our Find Non-Lead Ammo page for more info.
How do I get my rebate?
You can apply for your rebate at https://HuntersForEagleConservation.org/new-york/rebate.
Don't miss your rebate!
Your rebate will be sent via prepaid Visa card, shipped in an unmarked white envelope to prevent theft. See an example image here.
Hunters with Deer Management Permits in Wildlife Management Units 3H, 4F, 4G, 4H, 4O, 4P, 4R, 4W, and 6G are eligible.
For more questions about the New York program, please contact wildlife@dec.ny.gov with the subject non-lead ammo study.
Hunters for Eagle Conservation is a program of Conservation Science Global, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 2016 to advance conservation and management of our natural resources through science and education.