MN HF1301

Effective January 1, 2027, hunters with FAA remote pilot certificates may use small unmanned aircraft systems (drones) to locate deceased big game for retrieval

Commissioner of Natural Resources must submit findings and recommendations to legislative committees by January 1, 2026, addressing statutory and policy changes needed to implement drone use for game recovery

Required recommendations must cover licensure and insurance requirements, equipment standards, potential annual fees, and protections for property owners

Existing prohibition on computer-assisted remote hunting remains in place, with violations classified as a misdemeanor

Amends Minnesota Statutes section 97B.115, which currently bans remotely controlled weapons for taking wild animals