How New York State Deer Hunters Can Help The Bald Eagle Population

New York State deer hunters have the opportunity to assist in a project that focuses on improving "the health of bald and golden eagle populations in NY."

What is Slowing Down The Eagle Population Growth in New York State?

While the Bald Eagle population has been on the rise, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation explains that research has shown what has slowed down population growth.

The DEC writes "research has shown that lead-related deaths have slowed population growth."

The organization goes on to explain further that Eagles are " exposed to lead by scavenging on gut piles from harvest deer." It doesn't take much for these led fragments to take the life of an Eagle. According to the DEC:

A lead fragment as small as a grain of rice can be deadly to an eagle, and lead fragments can travel as far as 18 inches from the point of impact.

With that being said, the DEC is encouraging Deer Hunters to participate in a multi-year cooperative project.

Deer Hunters Can Help The Bald Eagle Population Grow

The DEC along with Conservation Science Global, United States Geological Survey, and the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Cornell have teamed up for a multi-year cooperative project.

The goal is to "determine how the increased used of nonlead ammunition can improve the health of bald and golden eagle populations in NY."

They explain that for the 2024-2024 hunting season "al licensed deer hunters in NY who purchase certified non-lead bullets, will be eligible for a $60 rebate."

When Does Deer Hunting Season Start in New York State?

Deer Hunting Season in New York State starts mid-September. You can get a breakdown of starting dates for regular and bowhunting as well as muzzleloading deer season on the DEC website.