Drones Take Flight in Missouri Hunting: Game-Changer or Ethical Dilemma?

Missouri hunters are embracing a new tool in their arsenal: drones. According to a recent report by KSDK, the state has updated its Wildlife Code to allow the use of thermal drones for recovering wounded deer, Turkey, elk, and black bear during their respective hunting seasons.

From Buck Fever to High-Tech Recovery

Hunting’s not always a clean shot. As experienced hunter Adam Wolf puts it, “Bad things do happen. Accidents do happen. Poor shot placement happens.”

Previously, hunters had to trek through the woods to track wounded animals, sometimes for miles.

Now, they’re turning to the skies. Jack Houston, a University of Missouri grad student, has launched Missouri Drone Deer Recovery, boasting a 99% success rate in locating downed game.

“There’s nothing like seeing the deer on the screen and the hooting and the hollering,” Houston says, describing the excitement of a successful drone-assisted recovery.

New Rules, New Possibilities

The new regulations come with some restrictions:

• Hunters must get landowner permission before flying
• No weapons allowed while operating drones
• Drones can’t be used to pursue or harass wildlife
• If a wounded animal is found alive, there’s a 24-hour waiting period before pursuit

Beyond Recovery: Herd Management

Drones aren’t just for finding wounded animals. Wolf explains their potential for population management:

“When the drone shows that’s a doe, that’s a small buck, that’s a big buck. To get your management right, it’s the biggest game-changer I’ve ever seen.”

Ethical Concerns Across State Lines

Not everyone’s on board with drone hunting tech. Illinois, Missouri’s neighbor, takes a different stance. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources stated:

“Not only is drone use for hunting unlawful in Illinois, it goes against the spirit of fair chase and widely accepted hunting ethics.”

DroneXL’s Take

This development in Missouri highlights the growing intersection of drone technology and traditional outdoor activities. While drones offer clear benefits for game recovery and herd management, they also raise questions about the ethics of hunting and the role of technology in outdoor pursuits.

As we’ve seen in recent DroneXL articles on drone technology, the applications for UAVs continue to expand into unexpected areas. This case of hunting drones demonstrates how even traditional practices are being reshaped by aerial innovation.

What do you think about using drones in hunting? Is it a practical solution or does it take away from the sport? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Photos courtesy of KSDK / Missouri Drone Deer Recovery