Q: Can I use a drone in my hunting and fishing pursuits?
A: The popularity of drones (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) has led to many perceived uses as they have possibilities to enrich and increase efficiency in industry, commerce, and recreation. However, there are quite a few rules that an operator of a UAS needs to follow depending on where they are flying. Under FAA definitions, drones are considered 'aircraft', and aircraft are not permitted to be landed in State Parks, State Recreation Areas, or State Waysides, making the use of them in those locations very difficult. A drone may not be used over a Wildlife Management Area in a manner that chases, herds, scares, or disturbs wildlife, unless they have a permit from the area wildlife manager. Drones, like other motorized vehicles, cannot be used to take big game or small game, including uses that assist in taking. Federal regulations also prohibit the taking of migratory birds that have been concentrated, driven, or stirred up by a motor vehicle, including a drone. There are quite a few locations where drone use is also prohibited. Under federal FAA guidelines, drones generally may not be flown near airports, manned aircraft, or large groups of people, and must remain within line-of-sight. Drone used should absolutely be avoided in areas near wildfire or emergency rescue efforts, where public safety, DNR, or emergency response aircraft or UAS may be in use. For more information, see the MN DNR website, or the FAA website at www.faa.gov/uas .
Matthew S. Miller is a Minnesota Conservation Officer with the Lake Superior Marine Unit.
ADVERTISEMENT
Send your questions to outdoors@duluthnews.com .
