Canadian city outlaws hunting game using drones
Regulatory change updates previous rules that made it illegal to hunt using a helicopter
Outfitters and tourists who come to the Canadian province of British Columbia to hunt wildlife will have to do so without the use of drones thanks to a regulatory change announced by the BC government.
The minimum fine for hunting with a helicopter or a drone is C$2,500 (US$1,903), although a first conviction could cost a hunter C$250,000 (US$190,300) and up to two years in jail.
Industry is on board with the change.
“Hunters come to BC to experience the wild and beautiful backcountry and participate in fair chase hunting,” said Scott Ellis, who is executive director of the Guide Outfitters Association of BC.
“Drones undermine the experience people have come to expect when they hunt big game in this province.”
Not only are outfitters forbidden to operate or possess a drone while hunting, they also may not use data obtained by a drone while on a hunting or trapping expedition. The regulatory change also makes it illegal for a third party to communicate information from a drone to someone while they are hunting.