New Hampshire bans drones for hunting

CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire has decided to ban the use of drones, “smart rifles,” and live-action game cameras for hunting.

The state Fish and Game Department made the decision earlier this month after holding a public hearing on rules involving hunting with the use of emerging technologies.

The rules, which took effect May 4, ban the taking of wildlife using an unmanned aerial vehicle, bringing New Hampshire in line with several states that have outlawed the use of drones in hunting. The rules also ban the use of rifles that contain computers that lock in a target, adjust for wind and animal movement and automatically fire.

Hunters also are not allowed to locate wildlife using cameras that transmit real-time images to cellphones or computers.

“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.”

For information on Maine hunting regulations, click here.

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