DEC asking hunters to participate in multi-year study of non-lead ammunition impacts on New York Eagle conservation efforts

The New York State DEC is asking hunters to participate in multi-year study of non-lead ammunition impacts on Eagle conservation efforts.

The goal of this study, according to officials, is to determine the reduction in bald and golden eagle deaths that can be achieved from increased use of non-lead ammunition for deer hunting.

"Hunters in North America are the backbone of wildlife conservation and often help lead the charge in numerous wildlife management success stories like the restoration of white-tailed deer and wild turkey," said Commissioner Seggos.

"The study announced today to assess the potential benefits of non-lead ammunition to New York's bald and golden eagle populations is a prime example of how hunters can help conserve wildlife, and I thank the New York deer hunters who volunteer to be part of the project."

According to the DEC, Eagles can ingest lead bullet fragments when scavenging the remains left behind after a hunter field dresses a deer.

While the bald eagle population is doing well in New York, research has shown that lead-related mortality has slowed population growth, the DEC said.

The first year of this study will be implemented during the 2023-2024 hunting season.

More details on how to participate are available online.

Image via Hunters for Eagle Conservation New York.