Allows the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in tracking big game that are dead, wounded or injured.
Summary
This bill would amend the Environmental Conservation Law to allow the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to adopt regulations certifying unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, for use by licensed individuals to track and locate dead, wounded, or injured big game. It also expressly extends that potential authorization to licensed bear trackers under the existing bear-tracking provision of the law. The bill does not itself create an immediate right to use drones; instead, it gives DEC authority to establish the certification and operating rules by regulation.
In practical terms, the measure is aimed at improving the recovery of big game and bear after a hunt or injury, potentially reducing waste and helping hunters and trackers locate animals more efficiently. The bill would take effect 90 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for any necessary regulatory work so the department can prepare implementation rules in advance.
Impact
The bill would add a new section 11-0936 to the Environmental Conservation Law, expanding DEC’s regulatory authority over wildlife tracking methods. It would affect licensed hunters and other persons authorized by DEC to track big game or bear, and would permit the department to certify drones and set conditions for their use. The change would not mandate drone use, but would create a legal pathway for regulated use in wildlife recovery and tracking activities.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the overall sentiment appears neutral to favorable toward a practical wildlife-management tool. The sponsor’s framing suggests the bill is intended to assist hunters and improve the recovery of wounded or dead animals, which typically aligns with efficiency and conservation goals. No recorded opposition, amendments, or vote history is available in the provided materials.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the use of drones in hunting-related activities, which may raise concerns about fair chase, surveillance, enforcement, and the broader role of technology in wildlife management. Supporters are likely to emphasize humane recovery of wounded animals and improved efficiency, while critics may worry about precedent-setting technology use or unintended impacts on hunting ethics. However, no committee transcript or voting record is provided here to show specific arguments from legislators or stakeholders.