New Kentucky regulation bans using drones for hunting and fishing

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky's Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is warning hunters and fisherman not to use drones or other aircraft to catch fish and hunt wildlife.

The announcement comes after the Kentucky Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy's latest meeting on Oct. 16, following increased use of aircraft technology by hunters and anglers, according to a news release.

Regulation 301 KAR 3:140 makes it illegal "to use aircraft or unmanned aircraft in the take of fish or wildlife."

Under the regulation, "take" includes "pursue, shoot, hunt, wound, catch, kill, trap, snare or capture wildlife in any way and any lesser act designed to lure, attract or entice for these purposes; and to place, set, aim, or use any device, animal, substance or agency which may reasonably be expected to accomplish these acts; or to attempt to do these acts or to assist any other person in the doing of or the attempt to do these acts."

Maj. David Marques with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Law Enforcement Division said in the release that the regulation has been needed for awhile.

"This regulation will provide guidance regarding the use of aircraft, including drones, while hunting, fishing or participating in other outdoor activities, said in the release. "It will also provide a framework for our wardens to work within when investigating and enforcing potential violations. This regulation has been needed for some time, and we are happy to finally have it in place."

Regulations Now in Effect:

A person shall not use an aircraft or unmanned aircraft system:

To fish, hunt or take wildlife or to drive or herd any wildlife for the purpose of fishing, hunting or taking; or
To harass any wildlife.

Aircraft or unmanned aircraft systems may be used by:

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife employees and contractors or agents acting on behalf of the agency when addressing human safety, law enforcement, research, management or other needs approved by the department;
Authorized landowners or their agents to engage in lawful wildlife damage control activities; and
Commercial fishers for use in locating or removing invasive carp.

Anyone with questions about the new regulation can call your local Kentucky Game Warden or the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Information Center at 800-858-1549 weekdays 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Eastern), except holidays.

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