In a bold move to help protect wildlife and preserve healthy ecosystems, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has announced the continuation and expansion of its Voluntary Lead-Free Hunting Ammunition Incentive Program for the 2025-2026 hunting season. This initiative aims to reduce the environmental hazards posed by lead ammunition, which can contaminate habitats and harm wildlife, particularly scavengers and waterfowl that ingest spent lead pellets. This program, initially launched as a pilot in 2024, will be extended to cover 25 hunting seasons across 13 national wildlife refuges in 11 states. The service's expansion follows the positive results from the first year of the program, which showed a strong willingness from hunters to adopt lead-free ammunition when incentivized. The program will provide hunters with rebates for purchasing non-lead ammunition, aiming to encourage broader use of alternatives like copper, bismuth, and steel that do not pose the same toxic risks to wildlife. We are committed to providing quality hunting opportunities while also prioritizing the long-term health of our wildlife and ecosystems, said Brian Nesvik, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. After analyzing the results from our pilot program, weve seen a tremendous amount of support from hunters, and were excited to expand this program to help further reduce the risks associated with lead ammunition. Hunters participating in the program will be able to receive up to $50 per box of rifle ammunition and $25 per box for shotgun or muzzleloader ammunition. These rebates will be offered with proof of purchase and compliance with the program's verification guidelines. The goal is to incentivize hunters to make the switch to lead-free alternatives without causing undue financial burden. The lead-free incentive program is not only about protecting wildlife but also about promoting sustainable hunting practices. Lead ammunition is widely available, but its use in hunting has been linked to lead poisoning in numerous species, including bald eagles, condors, and other scavengers. By reducing the use of lead in hunting, the program aims to safeguard these animals while maintaining the integrity of hunting traditions. One of the key elements of the programs success has been collaboration with various stakeholders, including state wildlife agencies, conservation groups, and ammunition manufacturers. These partnerships have ensured that the lead-free alternatives offered in the program meet performance standards comparable to traditional lead-based ammunition. As demand for lead-free ammunition increases, more manufacturers are expected to produce and distribute affordable, high-quality alternatives, further advancing the programs impact. This voluntary approach contrasts with some other states that have enacted mandatory lead-free hunting regulations. The USFWSs program provides hunters with flexibility while still pushing for necessary environmental changes. In addition to the rebates, hunters are encouraged to educate themselves on the environmental and health impacts of lead and consider making the switch voluntarily. The 2025-2026 hunting season will see this program rolled out in several key regions, including national wildlife refuges such as Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland, Camas National Wildlife Refuge in Idaho, and Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge in West Virginia. These areas are popular with hunters, particularly for species like deer, turkey, and waterfowl, which are often at risk of lead exposure.