Kentucky Regulates Drone Use for Hunting and Fishing
Kentucky has implemented new regulations governing the use of drones by hunters and anglers, prohibiting their use for directly assisting in the taking of wildlife, effective earlier this month.
The rules, approved by the state’s Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy on October 16, specifically ban using drones to fish, hunt, or harass wildlife. However, exceptions are made for locating invasive carp and lawful wildlife damage control. The move comes as drone technology becomes increasingly accessible and raises concerns about fair chase in hunting.
Major David Marques, Assistant Director of the Law Enforcement Division, expressed satisfaction with the new guidelines. “We’re trying to strike that balance between limiting and restricting that unfair chase that they would be able to get with unlimited access with a drone for hunting, but we also don’t want to prevent the hunters from being able to go out and recover a mortally wounded animal,” Marques said. Violators could face fines up to $1,000 and potential revocation of their hunting or fishing privileges. For more information on Kentucky hunting regulations, visit the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, along with its law enforcement division and wildlife commission, spent over a year developing the regulations to address the rapidly evolving technology. These guidelines also aim to provide clarity for outfitters, guides, and conservation officers. The Federal Aviation Administration provides additional guidance on drone operation. Officials stated the regulations will be reviewed and updated as drone technology continues to advance.
