Sports hunting means “fair chase” and New Hampshire has drawn the line at recent technological advances, making them illegal for hunting. Drones are a recent development that may seem comical in the outdoors, yet these amazing devices can easily be used to scout for deer, scatter wild turkeys, or drive game toward a particular location. If you’ve never witnessed a drone in action, you’ll be astounded at what it can do with the operator a mile away from the flying device. Smart rifles and certain trail cameras were also included in the regulation.
A new rule adopted by the NH Fish and Game Department bans the use of drones, smart rifles and live-action game cameras while hunting or attempting to take wildlife. This rule became effective May 4, 2015.
“We needed to establish rules regarding these fast-changing technologies to make sure that people understand that their use for hunting is not appropriate or ethical,” said Fish and Game Law Enforcement Major Kevin Jordan. “Use of this equipment violates the principle of fair chase because it gives hunters an unfair advantage over wildlife.”
The new rule makes it illegal to use an unmanned aerial vehicle, such as a drone, to attempt to locate, surveil or aid or assist in the taking of wildlife.
