If you are a deer hunter in Michigan, you might have heard of a company called Drone Deer Recovery (DDR), which offers a service to help you locate your downed deer using drones equipped with thermal cameras and GPS trackers. The company claims that drones can save you time, energy, and frustration, as well as reduce the chances of losing your deer to predators, scavengers, or theft. Sounds like a great idea, right?
Well, not according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which considers drone use for deer recovery illegal under the state law that prohibits the use of drones in the “taking” of an animal. The DNR argues that using drones to find dead deer is still part of the hunting process, and that it gives hunters an unfair advantage over the game. The DNR also cites concerns about drone safety, privacy, and ethics.
This disagreement has sparked a legal battle between DDR and the DNR, which could have implications for the future of drone use in hunting and wildlife management. DDR, represented by the Pacific Legal Foundation, has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the DNR, challenging its interpretation of the law and its enforcement actions. DDR contends that using drones to recover dead deer is not the same as using drones to hunt, pursue, or take live animals, and that it does not violate the state law or the federal Airborne Hunting Act. DDR also asserts that its drone use is protected by the First Amendment right to free speech, as it involves gathering and disseminating information.
The lawsuit is still pending, and the outcome is uncertain. However, the case raises some interesting questions and issues about the role of technology in hunting and conservation. How should we define the “taking” of an animal? What are the benefits and drawbacks of using drones for deer recovery? How can we balance the rights and interests of hunters, landowners, and wildlife? How can we ensure that drone use is safe, responsible, and ethical?
These are not easy questions to answer, and they may require further research, discussion, and regulation. However, one thing is clear: drones are here to stay, and they are changing the way we interact with nature. Whether you are for or against drones for deer recovery, you should be aware of the legal situation and the potential impacts of this emerging technology.
For more information on the lawsuit and the arguments of both sides, you can check out the following sources:
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