Are there restrictions on using drones while hunting elk in Wyoming?

Drone Regulations for Elk Hunting in Wyoming

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department regulates the use of drones for hunting, and hunters should be aware of the state’s drone-specific regulations. According to the department, drones are allowed for hunting purposes, but operators must have a valid hunting license and follow specific guidelines.

Specific Drone Regulations

Hunters can use drones for hunting elk in Wyoming, provided they do not use them to assist in the physical taking of the animal. Drones cannot be used to scout or locate elk, but they can be used to monitor the animal after it has been harvested. Hunters must also follow federal regulations regarding the use of drones over national wildlife refuges and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. The maximum altitude for drone use in a national forest is 400 feet above ground level.

Drone Requirements for Elk Harvest Reporting

Hunters who use drones for elk hunting in Wyoming must also report their harvest through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s online portal. This includes submitting photos of the harvested elk, which must be taken at the harvest site. The department uses this information to monitor elk populations and manage hunting seasons. Hunters must also ensure that their drone is equipped with a camera and that the photos are clear enough to confirm the sex and age of the elk.