Resolutions & Surveys

Using Drones to Recover Downed Deer

Should hunters be allowed to use drones to track downed deer? 

A state senator plans to introduce legislation that would allow the use of drones to help hunters track downed deer. In a cosponsor memo, Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-Lehigh, said the proposal was inspired by a recent case in which the Pennsylvania Game Commission cited the owner of a business who used a drone to help a hunter track down a deer that had been shot. 

While using a drone to locate dead or wounded deer is legal in Ohio, other states, including Pennsylvania, prohibit the practice. 

According to Travis Lau, communications director for the Game Commission, the agency considers drones electronic devices prohibited for hunting. The combined charges carry a maximum of $2,500 in fines and up to three months in jail. 

"These charges stem from the use of a drone to attempt to recover a downed deer," Coleman said in the cosponsor memo. "Pennsylvanians deserve better. With the advent of drones, hunters have an additional tool to use and reduce the amount of dead game that goes uncollected."

Since the introduction of Senator Coleman's co-sponsor memo, there have been several articles and lots of discussion on social media and hunting sites. While there are still a lot of questions and no language yet for an actual bill, PFSC would like to know the general thoughts and opinions of its membership.

PFSC Members & Affiliated Clubs can take the survey.

Affiliated Clubs Drone Survey

Individual Member Drone Survey

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