New York State is Sending Rebates to These Deer Hunters

The 2026 archery season is underway here in New York State! Although the weather is extremely warm and it feels more like midsummer, archery hunters across the Empire State are heading into the woods in search of whitetail deer. For those who hunt, it is an exciting time of year and the season is just getting started.

If you are not an archery hunter, perhaps you choose to pursue whitetail deer during firearm season. New York State offers a wide variety of opportunities for deer hunters to harvest an animal, and there are changes to the availability of Deer Management Permits (DMPs) in some areas this year.

New York Hunters Can Get Money Back on Lead-Free Ammunition

When firearm season rolls around, the ammunition you choose could mean a rebate for you through a voluntary New York State conservation program.

New York State is continuing efforts to encourage hunters to use lead-free ammunition. Hunters who purchase certified non-lead ammunition for deer hunting may be eligible for a rebate of up to $60.

The program is voluntary and is available to eligible deer hunters who use certified non-lead ammunition and participate in the required surveys.

Why Is New York Encouraging Lead-Free Ammunition?

You might wonder why lead-free ammunition can make such an impact.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, lead bullets can fragment when they strike an animal, leaving small pieces of lead behind. Those fragments can potentially be consumed by scavenging wildlife, including eagles and other animals that feed on deer remains.

The goal of using non-lead ammunition is to reduce the amount of lead available to scavengers and help protect wildlife.

"Lead ammunition fragments and can travel up to 18 inches from the point of impact. These fragments are commonly left behind after a deer is harvested and field dressed, posing a risk to scavenging wildlife. Comparatively, lead-free ammunition is made of copper that retains up to 95% of mass after impact, resulting in deeper penetration without being toxic to scavenging wildlife".

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s conservation efforts are designed to protect animals, wildlife and the natural resources around us. As hunters, we play an important role in wildlife management and conservation, programs like this encourage hunters to understand the effects ammunition can have on other wildlife.

How to Get the New York Lead-Free Ammo Rebate

There is a program application and survey process for hunters interested in participating. Hunters can also find information about certified non-lead ammunition, participating retailers and the rebate program through the conservation program’s resources.

According to DEC’s hunting information, eligible hunters can receive a rebate of up to $60 when they purchase qualifying certified non-lead ammunition and participate in various surveys.

Good luck and be safe this fall! There seems to be plenty of deer wandering around New York State, and although archery season has just started, it won’t be long before the opening day of firearm season arrives.