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British Columbia grounds hunting drones
If you’ve been mulling over the use of a drone in hunting, scratch that idea.
Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson announced this morning the government has strengthened regulations to ensure that hunters do not use flying drones to help them track wildlife.
The province amended the Wildlife Act hunting regulation, making it illegal for people to operate or possess a drone, or use data obtained by a drone, while on a hunting or trapping expedition. It is also now illegal for a third party to use a drone to help a hunter or trapper.
Before the change, Section 27 of the Wildlife Act made it illegal to use a helicopter to hunt in British Columbia, although the province contended that drones were a kind of helicopter. The minimum fine for hunting with a helicopter or drone is $2,500 – although a first conviction could cost a hunter $250,000 and up to two years in jail.
The B.C. Wildlife Federation, B.C. Trappers Association and Guide Outfitters Association of B.C. support the change.
“Using drones to help track your prey just isn’t part of the hunting culture in British Columbia. Hunters are respectful of wildlife and their habitat and very supportive of the steps government is taking to prevent hunters from using drones,” said Jim Glaciar, president, B.C. Wildlife Federation.
“Hunters come to British Columbia to experience the wild and beautiful backcountry and participate in Fair Chase hunting. Drones undermine the experience people have come to expect when they hunt big game in this province,” added Scott Ellis, executive director, Guide Outfitters Association of B.C.
“We have to make sure that our regulations keep pace with technology. These changes help ensure that the rules are in line with what most hunters already practice,” Thomson said.
Drones are small, remote or GPS-controlled aircraft that can be equipped to send digital images to the operator.
Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario,and Newfoundland and Labrador have banned hunters from using drones.
Find out more about hunting rules and regulations.
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