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Lawmakers weigh bill to ban drone use while hunting and extend aircraft-scouting wait period; pilots and outfitters clash
Summary
House Bill 202 would ban possession of drones while hunting and extend the waiting period between aerial scouting and hunting to 24 hours. Hunting groups backed tighter rules; pilots and outfitters warned of enforcement problems and impacts on livelihoods. The sponsor offered draft amendments to narrow scope.
House Bill 202 would extend the post‑scouting waiting period to 24 hours and ban possession of drones while hunting or attempting to hunt. The bill’s sponsor, Representative Courtney Sprunger, presented draft amendments intended to narrow the measure’s scope to avoid unintended impacts on pilots and agricultural users.
Why it matters: The bill aims to protect fair-chase hunting traditions by reducing technological advantages from aircraft and drones. Opponents said the bill’s wording as drafted would unintentionally prohibit routine travel by private‑plane pilots and could materially harm commercial guides, ranchers and outfitting operations.
Sponsor’s proposal and…
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