On December 1 at 10 AM, a public hearing will be held by telephone organized by the Fish and Wildlife Commission to discuss a drone-fishing ban in Montana. The ban would prohibit the use of drones or other remote-controlled devices while fishing.

Hearing on drone-fishing ban in Montana set for December 1st

A question that has been on many fishermen’s minds is whether it is allowed to use a remote control boat, drone, or other remote-controlled devices to catch fish, according to Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

The laws in Montana currently do not specify whether remote-controlled devices or drones can be used for fishing purposes. This gives the commission the discretion to allow or prohibit such use.

Examples of how drones could be used to benefit fishermen are, the use of remote-controlled devices to transport bait and hooks over longer distances, access closed areas near dams or using the drone to spot fish and drop the bait with pinpoint accuracy, and increase your chances of catching a one, report the Billings Gazette.

The proposed rule would prohibit the use of drones or other remote-controlled devices for fishing purposes and result in a drone-fishing ban in Montana.

NEW RULE I – UNLAWFUL USE OF REMOTE-CONTROLLED DEVICES WHILE FISHING

(1) The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and all other remote-controlled devices while fishing is prohibited. The prohibition on these devices includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(a) carrying a hook or bait to any location on water;
(b) trolling or otherwise carrying a hook or bait through water;
(c) scouting the location of fish for the purposes of fishing; and
(d) hooking and/or landing a fish.

The proposed rule can be viewed here and comments can be submitted online.

During the hearing, public comments will be taken. Alternatively, you can send your comments to:

Phil Kilbreath
WP Enforcement Division
P.O. Box 200701
Helena, Montana, 59620-0701

or email to pkilbreath@mt.gov.

All comments must be received no later than Dec. 4.

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