The bill introduces the Kansas Wounded Deer Recovery Act, which allows hunters who are federally licensed drone operators to use drones for locating wounded or recently deceased deer. To utilize this provision, hunters must have the appropriate hunting license, obtain permission from the landowner or their representative before launching or landing a drone, and ensure that the drone is not used to harass wildlife. The bill explicitly prohibits the use of drones to pursue or take any wildlife that has been harassed, and it clarifies that the use of drones for this purpose does not constitute "taking" wildlife under existing law.

Additionally, the bill amends K.S.A. 32-1003 to exempt the use of drones for locating wounded or deceased deer from the general prohibition against taking game animals from vehicles or aircraft. It also repeals the existing section of K.S.A. 32-1003, streamlining the legal framework surrounding the use of drones in hunting. The act will take effect upon its publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 32-701, 32-1003, 32-1031, 32-1032
As introduced: 32-701, 32-1003, 32-1031, 32-1032