I’m talking about taking pictures from a distance without bothering the animals. I’m in Wisconsin, and the bucks are out now, so I want to scout, but I’m not sure if it’s legal to do it with a drone.
Not sure about Wisconsin, but in NY, the law says no aircraft can be used to help in hunting. But if you’re just scouting before the season, it might not apply.
Kim said:
Not sure about Wisconsin, but in NY, the law says no aircraft can be used to help in hunting. But if you’re just scouting before the season, it might not apply.
I’m a rifle hunter and it’s bow season right now, so I can’t hunt. I’d be doing this for fun, not related to hunting trips.
@Eli
Sounds like it’s recreational. Just don’t have a firearm on you while flying, and you should be good.
Fin said:
@Eli
Sounds like it’s recreational. Just don’t have a firearm on you while flying, and you should be good.
In Texas, you can’t photograph wildlife with a drone at all unless it’s for hogs or coyotes with a permit and landowner permission.
@Jody
That’s wild. How’s it different from taking a picture with a phone? I get the hunting part, but just photos?
Sam said:
@Jody
That’s wild. How’s it different from taking a picture with a phone? I get the hunting part, but just photos?
That’s just the rule. Check it out: Texas Parks and Wildlife drone rules.
@Jody
Those laws are specifically for hunting.
Actually, it says drones can’t be used to hunt, capture, take, count, or photograph wildlife without a permit. The word ‘photograph’ is right in there.
@Jody
The rule is about hunting-related activities. If you’re just taking pics for fun or art, it’s not the same thing.
Jai said:
@Jody
The rule is about hunting-related activities. If you’re just taking pics for fun or art, it’s not the same thing.
Got it. Blocking you now.
@Jody
If you’re photographing the landscape and not focusing on the animals, you might be okay. But targeting wildlife specifically is often a no-go.
@Jody
Technically, you could probably fight this in court, but it would be a super expensive and miserable legal battle.
Ezri said:
@Jody
Technically, you could probably fight this in court, but it would be a super expensive and miserable legal battle.
Doesn’t apply to state laws. This is a state issue, not federal.
@Jody
True, but state laws can be challenged in federal court. Still, not worth it for something like this.
@Eli
As long as you’re not hunting on the same day, you should be fine. Using it during a hunt would be illegal.
@Eli
Out of all the agencies, you really don’t want questions from Fish and Wildlife or Postal Inspectors.
@Eli
In PA, drone use for tracking shot animals is banned due to laws about harassing wildlife. I’d avoid using it during bow season hours to steer clear of any legal issues.
@Eli
Keep your drone gear and hunting gear separate, and don’t try to profit from the footage, and you should be fine.
Kim said:
Not sure about Wisconsin, but in NY, the law says no aircraft can be used to help in hunting. But if you’re just scouting before the season, it might not apply.
I wouldn’t keep a drone in my car during hunting season. Better to keep it all separate.