The National Deer Association (NDA) opposes New York bills A10352 and S9473 (NY A10352/S9473). These companion bills are moving separately through the legislative process. NY A10352 has passed out of committee and is on the Floor calendar and S9473 has been referred to the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee. If either is approved and signed into law, deer hunters in New York would be prohibited from donating venison to donation programs if the deer was harvested with a rifle using ammunition with lead components.
Venison donation programs are an important wildlife management tool. They give hunters the opportunity to harvest additional deer, especially antlerless deer, even after their personal needs are met. Many hunters stop hunting once their freezers are full, but that does not always align with state harvest goals. In New York, where deer populations can be abundant or overabundant, these programs play a critical role in helping achieve management objectives. They also provide a valuable public benefit by supplying high-quality protein to local food banks and pantries for distribution to individuals and families in need.
By prohibiting the donation of deer taken with ammunition with lead components, this legislation would significantly limit an effective wildlife management strategy and reduce the amount of venison available to communities. NDA believes the use of lead-free ammunition should remain a voluntary choice, not a legal mandate. This issue, and these bills, are no exception.
Take Action
Your voice matters in protecting both wildlife management and the traditions of hunting in New York. Hunters should be able to donate venison regardless of the method of take. Contact your state legislators today and urge them to oppose NY A10352/S9473. Let them know these bills would undermine effective, science-based deer management and reduce critical food donations to communities in need.