Drones in hunting.

[jim in Anchorage]

It has long been illegal to hunt same day airborne in Alaska. In other words you must wait till 3am the next day after flying(on a non scheduled flight) to hunt.
Drones are also illegal but the law is more vague then same day airborne. It just says you can't use them but no time line is given. What if I used one yesterday or last week?
I can think of many situations where these would give a huge advantage to the user.
Do you think they should be restricted as far as hunting use? I do.

 

[MCgunner]

I'm not sure about Alaska, but I definitely think they shouldn't be allowed in the lower 48. They're so new, I'm not sure there's any regulation on 'em, though. If they're legal where you are, go for it. Me, I wouldn't waste my money on one as I'd figure if it is legal, it might not be for long.

I kinda think it's how the thing is used, too, though. For spotting game the day before, well, I guess. I mean, is it any different from overlying the area before you land to get an idea of where to go the next day? For chasing geese, stirring up ducks or geese, DEFINITELY not cool. That falls under wildlife harassment.

 

[BigBore44]

JMO, but I say no, for several reasons. And I would love to use one to find pigs on large tracts of public land.

1. I can see people using them to chase game towards a hunter.

2. If I'm bow hunting, sitting in my stand, and I've got a good buck spotted walking my way at 60 yards and a drone flies over and spooks that deer.... I'm gonna be beyond ticked off.

3. How many advantages do we need?

4. Harassing game would happen all the time. And no one could regulate it. It would take at LEAST two wardens to catch one drone.

 

[SoonerMedic]

Gathering information prior to your hunt, in MY OPINION is perfectly ok. It saves a person a LOT of time vs hiking. Plus, what's the difference in that VS trail cams set up over active game trails or bait sites? In the same breath, I don't think that the use of drones should be allowed to herd game toward waiting hunters or after opening day period. When the drone is high enough, the little quiet buzz most likely won't disturb wildlife to the point to where they are stressed in any way.

 

[Sunray]

"...would give a huge advantage to the user..." That's why they're illegal.
"...yesterday or last week..." Game would be long gone.
Trail cams set up over active game trails or bait sites aren't legal everywhere either. Baiting deer for example is illegal most everywhere. Kind of daft that hunting deer over a harvested corn field usually isn't. Even that depends on where you are.

 

[SoonerMedic]

"...would give a huge advantage to the user..." That's why they're illegal.
"...yesterday or last week..." Game would be long gone.
Trail cams set up over active game trails or bait sites aren't legal everywhere either. Baiting deer for example is illegal most everywhere. Kind of daft that hunting deer over a harvested corn field usually isn't. Even that depends on where you are.

From my understanding, the only times it is illegal to use an electronic motion sensing device (trail cam) is DURING the hunting season. It seems to be perfectly legal during the months, weeks, or days leading up to opening morning.

 

[jim in Anchorage]

I think the real question here is how many advantages do we give to the moneyed few? Not every one can afford a drone. Hunting is supposed to be on a level playing field not the reserve of the rich. Do we really want hi tech to take over from plain old hunting skills? I say no.

 

[SoonerMedic]

I think the real question here is how many advantages do we give to the moneyed few? Not every one can afford a drone. Hunting is supposed to be on a level playing field not the reserve of the rich. Do we really want hi tech to take over from plain old hunting skills? I say no.

But, it's not really a level playing field for everybody. Those with the most money can afford guided hunts, ranches, better firearms and glass, more time to hunt and the means to trek further and longer. The rest of the hunters, me for instance, are bound by days off, money permitting, and the kindness of others to allow me to hunt their personally owned properties. So...it's not even level if you take away the electronic aspects of it.

 

[jim in Anchorage]

But, it's not really a level playing field for everybody. Those with the most money can afford guided hunts, ranches, better firearms and glass, more time to hunt and the means to trek further and longer. The rest of the hunters, me for instance, are bound by days off, money permitting, and the kindness of others to allow me to hunt their personally owned properties. So...it's not even level if you take away the electronic aspects of it.

I understand that. But the guy on a private ranch, with a guide and a state of the art scope is not interfering with your hunt like a drone can.

 

[MCgunner]

I think the real question here is how many advantages do we give to the moneyed few? Not every one can afford a drone. Hunting is supposed to be on a level playing field not the reserve of the rich. Do we really want hi tech to take over from plain old hunting skills? I say no.

Too late for Texas, home of the private lease, where more money means bigger racks and better hunting. $2-5000 a gun leases are common. That's why I bought what acreqge I could afford and use a corn feeder (legal here). Really, though, deer hunting isn't the big deal to me it was 40 years ago. I'd rather go on a goose hunt and that;s still rather affordable.

 

[BigBore44]

Gathering information prior to your hunt, in MY OPINION is perfectly ok. It saves a person a LOT of time vs hiking. Plus, what's the difference in that VS trail cams set up over active game trails or bait sites? In the same breath, I don't think that the use of drones should be allowed to herd game toward waiting hunters or after opening day period. When the drone is high enough, the little quiet buzz most likely won't disturb wildlife to the point to where they are stressed in any way.

We use drones to film part of our outdoor show on NBC Sports. They allow us to get some really awesome shots from different angles that a cameraman can't get. Our drones range from $2.5k-$7k+ depending on the camera. They are some of the best civilian drones money can buy. But make no mistake, they will spook game. From 200-300 feet? Probably not. But a drone trying to see something in any kind of timber is worthless unless you are low. And that will spoil them. The tundra of Alaska and Canada or plains of the Midwest? Sure. You can fly them high enough to see game without spooking it. But again, how many advantages do we need? Idk about you but I enjoy my time in the woods scouting and even hunting without scouting. And I hunt almost exclusively on public land.

I have two jobs and am in nursing school. I have "almost" no life right now. But I still hunt and scout when I can. The "poor man's way". And couldn't be happier.

 

[Patocazador]

I've registered my farm as a No-Fly zone with the FAA. If one comes over, I'll get some skeet practice.

I don't use trail cams, deer pee, or drones. What's wrong with actually 'hunting' an animal without all the gizmos?

 

[jim in Anchorage]

MCgunner- know Texas can be expensive to hunt. So can be Alaska. Like you small game is starting to be more appealing to me then big game. I bird hunt for the price of a box of shells and no one cares how big a grouse is.

 

[Varminterror]

Remote copters and planes have been around a long, long time. They're much more popular now than they ever have been, but they are nothing new. I was flying one in the 1980's. Lightweight video componentry and remote video transmission Equipment is more readily available, sure, but it's not new.

Should someone be able to fly over with a drone as a tool for their stalk? Eh, not really. Can I just as easily set up a "Camera net" of wireless game cams and accomplish the same effect? Yup - I'd get a text message with a picture of the animal any time a game cam went off, so I'd know where to go and where they went, given enough cameras. Guys can drive trucks through bottoms until they bump out bucks, then step out to shoot them as they scatter... Lots of things skirt the law, simply because they are impossible to police.

 

[BigBore44]

Lots of things skirt the law, simply because they are impossible to police.

Surely that doesn't mean you condone those actions....? "Skirting the law" is committing a crime. If legal shooting hours end at 18:30, and a big buck walks by at 18:33, is it ok if you shoot it because it's "close" to 18:30?

Just because a law isn't always enforceable doesn't mean it's not a crime if you break it. Drones, as far as I know, are illegal to use for the pursuit or harvesting of game. So using one because you won't get caught doesn't mean it's ok.

I will admit I've had a long day. And it is entirely possible I have misread or misinterpreted your statement. If so, please tell me I have. In fact, I'll precede your clarification with an apology. I apologize if I misread/misinterpreted you statement.

 

[Varminterror]

You have, and frankly, long day or not for myself, I really don't care.

Getting worked up about people skirting the law isn't worth the time. People who want to do something as an unethical advantage will do so, whether it's black or white or grey in the eyes of the law, or subjectively ethical or not in the eyes of the Pope or the Devil. As long as there is law, there will be a way around it - uphold it yourself, but you won't accomplish much crying about those who don't.

 

[SoonerMedic]

We use drones to film part of our outdoor show on NBC Sports. They allow us to get some really awesome shots from different angles that a cameraman can't get. Our drones range from $2.5k-$7k+ depending on the camera. They are some of the best civilian drones money can buy. But make no mistake, they will spook game. From 200-300 feet? Probably not. But a drone trying to see something in any kind of timber is worthless unless you are low. And that will spoil them. The tundra of Alaska and Canada or plains of the Midwest? Sure. You can fly them high enough to see game without spooking it. But again, how many advantages do we need? Idk about you but I enjoy my time in the woods scouting and even hunting without scouting. And I hunt almost exclusively on public land.

I have two jobs and am in nursing school. I have "almost" no life right now. But I still hunt and scout when I can. The "poor man's way". And couldn't be happier.

Let me first start by asking, which show? I'd like to watch, especially if it's mostly hunting in Oklahoma!

But, the meat of why I'm replying is to say this. I'm not condoning such practices. I don't participate in flying drones to gain an advantage. Do I use a trail cam? Yes. I use one. It takes poor quality shots and doesn't have any type of bluetooth or wifi/data capabilities. It simply says to me, "Oh look, an animal....kinda. Well....it's an animal butt. Or ear. Or maybe it's nothing?"

The only reason I use them is to see if that area is active in the least bit and maybe give me some sort of an idea on what time they're coming around. OR if they're even worth pursuing.

I'm simply trying to play devil's advocate here and maybe see SOME benefit (for lack of better terminology) of flying a drone in the off seasons.

Also, congrats on working hard! Nursing school is absolutely no easy thing. Good luck to you.

 

[H&Hhunter]

I've registered my farm as a No-Fly zone with the FAA. If one comes over, I'll get some skeet practice.

I don't use trail cams, deer pee, or drones. What's wrong with actually 'hunting' an animal without all the gizmos?

I'm sorry Pato but if you registered your property with noflyzone.org you did not register it with the FAA. You have registered it with a manufacturers group who agrees to ask users to not fly over your property. It has no legal basis and FAA airspace rules still apply. Those rules state that you own the airspace over your land up to approximately 50 feet. Above that you can not say who or who does not fly over your property.

If your land was registered as a "no fly zone" with the FAA it would be nationally recognized as prohibited airspace and all aircraft would be prohibited from flying over your property at any and all altitudes. Including spacecraft.

 

[Patocazador]

The site I used said that the FAA periodically updates it's restricted air space and when the next revision takes place, they will update it. It was about 18 months ago that I did it. I may be wrong in applying the "No-Fly zone" tag, however.
BTW, it was free.

 

[H&Hhunter]

My guess is that the site is using the term "restricted airspace" but doesn't understand the FAA airspace definition of restricted airspace.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restricted_airspace

This ^^^ is a correct explanation of Restricted Airspace. Unless your property is of military national importance or a national security risk. It can not be listed as restricted or prohibited airspace by the FAA.

 

[H&Hhunter]

BTW,

I am not pro drone when it comes to hunting or use over private land for recreational purposes. Drones are becoming a very useful tool in many forms of air commerce. They have their place and they have many real world applications beyond recreation.

But folks need to understand the law in regards to airspace. The reason that your property rights do not extend above 50' is so that aircraft can travel unimpeded. If you were able to restrict the airspace above your property it would be a nightmare in regards to air travel. You do not own the airspace above your property, period end of story. Therefore you can not restrict air travel of any kind above your property.

So let me ask you this Pato. Say you do shoot down a legally licensed commercial drone. A drone that was legally traveling at 200' above your property. Let's say that drone belonged to CBP or the FBI or maybe local law enforcement and was doing a search or a simple survey. How do you think shooting down a federally owned and licensed aircraft that is doing a flight in service of a federal or local law enforcement agency is going to work out for you?

Pipeline and powerline companies are using drones now for routine patrol flights. I'm thinking they would be more than happy to prosecute you to the full extent of the law if you shot down one of their multi thousand dollar patrol drones.

Just shinning some reality on the subject here. No matter what you think you did, you did NOT register your property with the FAA as restricted airspace and if you do shoot down a drone or any other aircraft you could be in serious legal trouble. FYI brother.

 

[BigBore44]

Let me first start by asking, which show? I'd like to watch, especially if it's mostly hunting in Oklahoma!

It's not about hunting. It's a fishing show. It's the FLW Tour.

Trail cameras are very useful/helpful. I have several. But I've learned my lesson. Had a camera out on public land to check on some hogs for my father. 2 weeks. It's gone. It's the 3rd one I've had stolen. One was even in a lock box with a chain. They just cut the cable. Such is people's mentality these days. So no more.

And thank you for the "good luck" wishes. EMT School gave me a huge advantage in nursing school. So did having a mother who was an ER nurse for 40 years and being practically raised by nurses.

Varminterror,
I wasn't worked up. Not something I do. Jim's OP actually mentioned vague areas in the law about drones. And the last part of your first post is one of the reasons we have more and more restrictions on hunting places, and methods. Not saying you are the reason. Just the people who do things like that.

Drones, at least around here, would cause more problems than they would give advantages as a tool.

 

[jim in Anchorage]

I'm sorry Pato but if you registered your property with noflyzone.org you did not register it with the FAA. You have registered it with a manufacturers group who agrees to ask users to not fly over your property. It has no legal basis and FAA airspace rules still apply. Those rules state that you own the airspace over your land up to approximately 50 feet. Above that you can not say who or who does not fly over your property.

If your land was registered as a "no fly zone" with the FAA it would be nationally recognized as prohibited airspace and all aircraft would be prohibited from flying over your property at any and all altitudes. Including spacecraft.

Well if he had a wild fire or a active volcano on his property he could get a TFR (temporary flight restriction.) seems kind of drastic though.

 

[SoonerMedic]

It's not about hunting. It's a fishing show. It's the FLW Tour.

Trail cameras are very useful/helpful. I have several. But I've learned my lesson. Had a camera out on public land to check on some hogs for my father. 2 weeks. It's gone. It's the 3rd one I've had stolen. One was even in a lock box with a chain. They just cut the cable. Such is people's mentality these days. So no more.

And thank you for the "good luck" wishes. EMT School gave me a huge advantage in nursing school. So did having a mother who was an ER nurse for 40 years and being practically raised by nurses.

Varminterror,
I wasn't worked up. Not something I do. Jim's OP actually mentioned vague areas in the law about drones. And the last part of your first post is one of the reasons we have more and more restrictions on hunting places, and methods. Not saying you are the reason. Just the people who do things like that.

Drones, at least around here, would cause more problems than they would give advantages as a tool.

Very nice! I'm actually an EMT myself in Carter Co. I'll have to check out the show too by the way! Sorry to hear about your luck, it's kind of tough to set up a trail cam inconspicuously and still be able to get the shots you want to see.

 

[H&Hhunter]

Well if he had a wild fire or a active volcano on his property he could get a TFR (temporary flight restriction.) seems kind of drastic though.

Or host a national political event or the super bowl on his property maybe.